Easter Poke Cake Vanilla Gelatin (Printable Version)
Moist vanilla cake poked with fruity strawberry and lemon gelatin, topped with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cake Base
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
02 - 1 cup water
03 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
04 - 3 large eggs
→ Gelatin Infusion
05 - 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
06 - 1 box (3 oz) lemon gelatin
07 - 2 cups boiling water, divided
08 - 2 cups cold water, divided
→ Whipped Topping
09 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
10 - 3 tbsp powdered sugar
11 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
12 - Assorted pastel sprinkles or jelly beans (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Combine vanilla cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat according to package directions until smooth. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan.
03 - Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 15 minutes.
04 - Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the warm cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
05 - In two separate bowls, dissolve strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water and lemon gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir each until completely dissolved, then add 1 cup cold water to each bowl.
06 - Carefully pour strawberry gelatin over one half of the cake and lemon gelatin over the other half, or alternate colors for a marbled effect. Ensure all liquid is absorbed into the poked holes.
07 - Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until gelatin is completely set.
08 - In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form.
09 - Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Decorate with pastel sprinkles or jelly beans if desired. Slice and serve cold.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- The combination of creamy whipped topping and fruity gelatin pockets makes every bite feel like discovering a little surprise
- It looks impressive enough for company but comes together with almost zero stress
02 -
- The timing on the 15 minute cooling window before poking holes is crucial, too hot and your cake turns to mush, too cold and the gelatin will not absorb
- Refrigerate for the full two hours minimum, or the gelatin will not set properly when you try to spread the whipped topping
03 -
- Room temperature whipped cream will not hold those fluffy peaks, so keep your cream and bowl chilled until the last possible moment
- Wipe your knife clean between slices for those picture perfect servings that make everyone think you are a baking genius