This Pumpkin Jello Poke Cake is a fun twist on a classic dessert! It features a moist pumpkin cake filled with flavored jello, making it both colorful and tasty.
I love how light and fluffy this cake turns out! Serve it with whipped cream on top for a little extra sweetness. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you want to impress guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spice Cake Mix: This forms the base of your cake and adds warm spices. You can use a pumpkin cake mix for a stronger pumpkin flavor or even a yellow cake mix for a milder taste.
Gelatin: I suggest using orange-flavored gelatin for bright color and contrast. If you’re looking for a pumpkin flavor, opt for pumpkin gelatin if you can find it, or try a different flavor like butterscotch for a fun twist!
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is easy to use and tastes great, but you can whip your own heavy cream. Just make sure to add a little sugar and vanilla to sweeten it up.
How to Poke the Cake Without Making a Mess?
Poking the cake is key for infusing all that lovely jello flavor! The goal is to create evenly spaced holes without tearing the cake apart.
- Wait about 10 minutes after taking the cake out of the oven. This slight cooling helps the cake firm up.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork. Gently press down to poke holes about 1 inch apart. Don’t push too hard; just enough to make a hole!
By doing this carefully, you’ll have a beautifully infused cake ready for the gelatin to soak into. Enjoy your baking adventure!
How to Make Pumpkin Jello Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box spice cake mix (or pumpkin cake mix)
- Ingredients required by the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
For the Jello Layer:
- 1 (3 oz) box orange or pumpkin-flavored gelatin (Jello)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water or canned pumpkin juice (optional, can substitute for more pumpkin flavor)
For the Topping:
- Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pumpkin Jello Poke Cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30-35 minutes to bake. After that, it needs at least 3-4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly. So, plan for around 4 to 5 hours total before you can serve it. Perfect for when you want to make something ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven according to the directions on your spice cake mix box. This ensures the cake bakes evenly and comes out fluffy.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, mix together the spice cake mix with the required eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the prepared cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake according to the package instructions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
4. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan.
5. Poke Holes in the Cake:
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork, poke holes evenly across the top of the warm cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This will allow the jello to soak into the cake nicely.
6. Prepare the Jello Mix:
In a medium bowl, dissolve the orange or pumpkin-flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Then, add in 1 cup of cold water or pumpkin juice and mix well.
7. Pour the Jello Over the Cake:
Immediately pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the poked cake. Make sure it seeps into all those holes so every bite is deliciously infused!
8. Chill the Cake:
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully set. This step is essential for the jello to firm up.
9. Add the Whipped Topping:
Once set, take the cake out of the fridge and spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the top. You can use as much or as little as you like!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the cake into squares, serve chilled, and enjoy your moist, colorful, and flavorful Pumpkin Jello Poke Cake with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Gelatin?
Absolutely! While orange or pumpkin-flavored gelatin pairs nicely with the pumpkin theme, you can experiment with other flavors like butterscotch, vanilla, or even cherry for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change accordingly.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! This cake is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just add the whipped topping right before serving for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Just remember that the whipped topping might start to lose its fluffiness after a day, so consider adding fresh topping if desired when serving leftovers!
What If I Don’t Have a 9×13 Inch Pan?
If you don’t have a 9×13 inch pan, you can use two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans instead. Just adjust the baking time slightly, as round cakes may bake a little quicker; check for doneness with a toothpick around the 25-minute mark.