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Cozy Nostalgic Jello Poke Cake Recipe with Easy Cool Whip Frosting

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A nostalgic, easy-to-make jello poke cake soaked with fruity jello and topped with light, fluffy Cool Whip frosting. Perfect for a quick, comforting dessert that brings back cozy childhood memories.

Ingredients

  • Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g)
  • Water – 1 cup (240 ml), room temperature
  • Vegetable oil – 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Large eggs – 3, room temperature
  • Jello gelatin mix – 1 package (3 oz / 85 g), any flavor
  • Boiling water – 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Cool Whip whipped topping – 8 oz (227 g), thawed
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix – 1 small package (3.4 oz / 96 g), dry
  • Milk – 3/4 cup (180 ml), cold

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Use an electric mixer on medium speed or whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
  5. Dissolve the jello powder in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, about 2 minutes. Set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes but don’t let it set.
  6. Using a toothpick or fork, poke holes all over the cake about 1 inch apart, deep enough to reach the bottom but not so large that the cake falls apart.
  7. Slowly drizzle the cooled (not set) jello over the cake, letting it seep into the holes evenly.
  8. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the jello fully set inside the cake.
  9. Mix the instant vanilla pudding mix with 3/4 cup cold milk in a bowl. Whisk for 2 minutes until thickened.
  10. Gently fold the pudding into the thawed Cool Whip until smooth and creamy.
  11. Spread the Cool Whip frosting evenly over the chilled cake using a spatula.
  12. Refrigerate the cake for another hour to let the frosting set and flavors meld.
  13. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Do not rush chilling steps to ensure perfect texture. Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency. Poke holes about 1 inch apart and deep enough for jello to soak in without breaking the cake. Let jello cool before pouring to avoid melting the cake or frosting. For dairy-free, substitute Cool Whip with coconut whipped topping and use dairy-free pudding mix. For gluten-free, use gluten-free yellow cake mix.

Nutrition

Keywords: jello poke cake, easy dessert, nostalgic cake, Cool Whip frosting, poke cake recipe, quick dessert, retro dessert

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/cozy-nostalgic-jello-poke-cake-recipe-with-easy-cool-whip-frosting/