Name: Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) box white cake mix; Ingredients called for on cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water); 1 (6 oz) box strawberry jello; 1 (6 oz) box lime jello; 2 cups boiling water; 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 cup milk; 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed; Red and green sprinkles or decorations

Nothing says celebration like bright colors and fresh flavors mingling in one dessert. This Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe brings that perfect balance of sweet strawberry and zesty lime into a fun, playful cake that's as delightful to eat as it is to look at.

A square slice of cake with two visible layers sits on a white plate over a red and white striped cloth, set against a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is thick with a light, fluffy texture, showing a color mix of green on the left and red on the right with small holes throughout. The top layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting, evenly spread and topped with small red and green round sprinkles. The background is softly blurred to emphasize the cake in the front. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I baked this festive strawberry lime poke cake, I was hooked! It’s such a joyful dessert that instantly brightens any occasion. The way the strawberry and lime jello peek through the cake’s tender holes creates a surprise burst of flavor with every bite.

Bright and festive: The red and green colors are perfect for holidays or any party that needs a pop of cheer.
Simple to make: Using a white cake mix keeps things easy and foolproof without sacrificing flavor.
Flavor-packed: The combo of strawberry and lime jello infuses the cake with juicy, tangy goodness that feels fresh.
Fun texture: Poking holes and filling them with jello makes the cake moist and fun to eat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a clever mix of pantry staples and a couple of simple extras that turn an everyday cake into a festive treat. The white cake mix provides a neutral but tender base that lets the strawberry and lime flavors really shine. Here’s a quick peek behind each key ingredient:

Flat lay of a small pile of fine white granulated sugar, a pristine white ceramic bowl with bright red strawberry gelatin powder, another white ceramic bowl with vibrant green lime gelatin powder, a whole uncracked brown egg, a small mound of smooth white vanilla instant pudding powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh cold milk, a small white ceramic bowl containing fluffy thawed whipped cream, and a scattering of shiny red and green sprinkles artfully collected on a white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged in symmetrical balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White cake mix: A reliable, fluffy base that absorbs flavors beautifully — no need to fuss with making a cake from scratch.
Strawberry jello: Adds a bright, sweet berry punch that’s instantly recognizable and seasonal.
Lime jello: Infuses a fresh, citrusy zing that balances sweetness and brings life to the cake.
Boiling water: Necessary to dissolve the jello perfectly so it seeps into the cake holes evenly.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Thickens the whipped topping and adds richness with a smooth vanilla flavor.
Milk: Carefully blends with pudding mix for a creamy topping consistency.
Frozen whipped topping: Lightens the pudding topping, creating a luscious layer that complements the cake without being heavy.
Red and green sprinkles or decorations: Fun finishing touch that amps up the festive vibe and texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love adding my own little twists to the Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe to keep it exciting. You can easily personalize it to match your taste buds or holiday theme, and it’ll still come out fantastic.

Variation: Once, I swapped out lime jello for lemon for a softer citrus vibe, and it was just as refreshing. Try different jello flavors like raspberry or orange to mix things up!
Dietary options: Using sugar-free jello or pudding mix works well if you want to cut back on sugar without losing flavor.
Seasonal tweaks: Swap sprinkles for edible flowers or freeze-dried strawberry pieces for a fresh look that suits spring or summer celebrations.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe

The image shows a rectangular baked dessert with a checkered pattern on top, consisting of alternating red and green squares. The crust is golden brown and slightly textured, with small perforations running across the surface in a grid-like manner. The red and green colors are vibrant and glossy, creating a festive appearance. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preparing the Base Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish—it’s the perfect size for this cake. I always use either butter or a nonstick spray to avoid the cake sticking. Mix your white cake mix with the ingredients it calls for right on the box — usually eggs, oil, and water. Pour this batter into your prepared dish and let it bake following the package’s instructions. The smell when it’s baking? Absolutely heavenly and already making your kitchen feel festive.

Step 2: Poking and Pouring the Jello

Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 15 minutes so it’s not piping hot but not cold either — this helps the jello absorb better. Grab a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes every inch or so all over the cake. Don’t worry about precision here, just have fun with it! Next, dissolve your strawberry and lime jello separately in boiling water and pour them in alternating rows across the cake. This colorful touch is what makes the cake so eye-catching and juicy.

Step 3: Making the Creamy Topping

While the jello settles in the fridge for about 15 minutes, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with milk until thickened. Then fold in the thawed whipped topping gently — this creates such a smooth and fluffy layer that contrasts beautifully with the jiggly jello beneath. Spread this over the chilled cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set everything perfectly.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Right before serving, sprinkle on red and green decorations or sprinkles to add sparkle and texture. I like to use a mix of festive sprinkles for the perfect holiday cheer. Then get ready to enjoy the layered flavors and fun textures that everyone will rave about!

Top Tip

Making the Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe extraordinaire is all about timing and texture, so here are some tricks I've picked up that help me nail it every time.

Cool but Don’t Freeze the Cake: Letting the cake cool too long or getting too cold before poking holes can stop the jello from soaking properly—aim for warm to room temperature.
Alternate Jello Pouring: Pour the strawberry and lime jello in rows or sections to get that pretty striped effect, which makes it festive and fun to look at.
Gentle Folding: When mixing pudding with whipped topping, fold gently to keep it airy and light, which balances the dense cake beneath.
Chill Thoroughly: The longer you chill after assembling, the more the flavors marry and the jello fully sets — I recommend a solid 2 hours minimum.

How to Serve Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe

Strawberry Lime Poke Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this poke cake with a generous shower of red and green sprinkles—simple, colorful, and festive. If I want to get fancy, I’ll toss on some fresh sliced strawberries or lime zest for an extra burst of freshness and a pretty garnish that hints at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with something light on the side like mint tea or a sparkling lemonade to complement its sweet-tart vibe. At holiday gatherings, I like serving it alongside finger sandwiches or a light cheese plate for a well-rounded celebration spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this cake in clear glass dishes to show off the colorful jello pockets. You can also cut it into festive shapes with cookie cutters or serve individual portions in pretty mini trifle cups with extra whipped cream and berries on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge to keep the topping fresh and the jello firm. I usually use plastic wrap pressed gently onto the surface to avoid drying out the whipped topping. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, though I’m often tempted to eat it all much sooner!

Freezing

I don't usually freeze this poke cake because the jello and whipped topping don’t thaw well—they can separate and get watery. For best texture and flavor, enjoy it fresh within a few days.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled and isn’t made for reheating—warmth would melt the jello and whipped topping. If you want a more room-temp slice, take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix in this poke cake?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses a white cake mix for convenience, any moist white or yellow cake recipe works well as a base for the jello poking method. Just make sure it’s cooled properly before poking holes.

Why do you poke holes in the cake?

Poking holes allows the jello to seep deep into the cake layers, creating pockets of flavor and moisture throughout. This technique transforms a simple cake into a vibrant, flavorful dessert that’s both juicy and tender.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This poke cake actually improves when made ahead because the jello and topping have time to set and the flavors meld. Make it a few hours or even the day before your event for best results.

What can I use instead of whipped topping?

If you prefer, you can substitute homemade whipped cream or stabilized whipped cream to top this cake. Just be sure it’s firm enough to spread but still light and fluffy for the best texture contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe quickly became a favorite in my holiday recipe toolbox. Whether you’re looking for a fun treat to wow guests or simply want a cheerful dessert to brighten a weekday, it’s reliably delicious and looks like a party on a plate. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do — don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to festive dessert.