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, plus ingredients called for on box; 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

There’s something downright magical about a dessert that sparkles with holiday cheer and bursts with refreshing flavors. This Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe combines sweet strawberries and zesty lime in a fun, colorful way that will absolutely wow your guests (and your taste buds!). Trust me, it’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

The image shows a slice of colorful sponge cake on a white plate. The cake has two main layers: the bottom layer is light yellow with sections of red and green sponge mixed inside, looking soft and airy with many small holes, while the top layer is white creamy frosting with a smooth texture. On top of the frosting, there are small round sprinkles in red and green colors evenly scattered. The background surface is a white marbled texture, and a red and white cloth is under the plate. 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

This Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe is one of those crowd-pleasers that’s fun to make and impossible to resist. The vibrant colors alone bring joy to the table, and that citrusy twist makes it feel so fresh and festive – perfect for holiday parties or any celebration where you want to shine.

Bright and Colorful: The red and green jello juices soak into the cake’s tender crumb, creating a beautiful, marbled effect.
Easy to Make: Using cake mix and instant pudding keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.
Flavorful Fusion: Strawberry sweetness meets lime zestiness for a delightful taste contrast.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It chills beautifully, so you can prepare it ahead for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role in this Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe, working together to create a dessert that’s moist, tangy, and full of texture. Whether you’re shopping or prepping, knowing why these ingredients matter will help you nail it every time.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of fine white cake mix powder, two clean whole eggs with smooth brown shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red strawberry gelatin powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant green lime gelatin powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth instant vanilla pudding mix powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh milk, a small white ceramic bowl of soft, fluffy thawed whipped topping, and a scattering of tiny red and green round sprinkles arranged symmetrically, all 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: Provides a neutral, fluffy base that lets the bright jello colors and flavors truly pop.
Strawberry jello: Adds berry sweetness and vibrant pink-red hue that soaks into the poke holes.
Lime jello: Brings a zesty brightness that balances the strawberry sweetness perfectly.
Boiling water: Essential for dissolving the jello powders so they can seep deeply into the cake.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Creates a rich, creamy topping that adds smoothness and contrasts the tangy jello.
Milk: Needed to whisk with the pudding mix, making that luscious whipped layer.
Frozen whipped topping: Gives the cake a cloud-like finish and moist texture without heavy cream.
Red and green sprinkles: The final festive touch that makes this cake a showstopper for any party.

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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 that this Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe is as flexible as it is festive. Whether you want to dial up the lime for extra tang or swap the white cake mix for a gluten-free version, this recipe welcomes your personal touch. It’s like a blank canvas that tastes like holiday magic in every bite!

Variation: Once, I made this using a lemon-lime jello combo instead of strawberry and lime for a super citrus blast—and it was a hit with my family who love tart desserts.
Dietary Modification: Use a dairy-free whipped topping and almond milk to suit vegan or lactose-free needs without losing texture.
Seasonal Twist: For spring or summer, try swapping the sprinkles for edible flowers or fresh sliced strawberries on top for a fresh garden vibe.

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

A baked rectangular cake with a smooth golden brown base layer, topped with a colorful checkerboard pattern of red and green glossy patches evenly spread across the surface. The cake's surface shows small holes aligned in rows, adding texture to the vibrant colors. The edges of the cake are rounded and slightly darker than the center, and the whole cake rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Baking the Base Cake

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F or follow the time on your cake mix box. I like to grease my 9x13-inch pan with butter for an easy release and a hint of extra richness. Then, mix your white cake mix exactly as the box directs — don’t skip any steps here. Pour that gorgeous batter in and bake until the top is golden and a toothpick poked in comes out clean, usually about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Poking and Pouring the Jello Magic

After taking the cake out of the oven, let it cool for about 15 minutes so it's warm but not scalding. Now the fun part: gently poke holes about an inch apart across the cake using a fork or a wooden spoon handle. Don’t rush this — evenly spaced holes are key to getting those jello flavors into every bite! While the cake comes down to room temp, whisk the strawberry and lime jellos separately with boiling water.

Pour the strawberry and lime jello in alternating rows over the cake. I find it easier to go slow and let the jello trickle into the holes instead of flooding the surface all at once. You might not use the entire jello mix—that’s perfectly fine. Then pop the cake in the fridge and let those flavors sink and chill for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Creamy Topping Time

While your cake chills, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix with milk until it thickens. Next, carefully fold in the thawed whipped topping — this is what makes the topping silky and light. Spread this creamy layer gently over the chilled poke cake, making sure to cover every inch. Then refrigerate the whole masterpiece for at least two hours, or better yet, overnight. The flavors really meld and the texture becomes dreamy!

Step 4: Final Festive Flourish

Just before serving, sprinkle red and green sprinkles all over the top for that extra festive sparkle. I like using a mix of matte and shiny sprinkles to catch the light and make it truly pop on the dessert table. Then slice it up and dig in!

Top Tip

I’ve made this cake dozens of times through the years, and a few tricks always help me get it just right—and I’m confident you’ll find them useful too!

Perfect Hole Poking: Use a fork or wooden spoon handle, and poke while the cake is still warm, but not hot, so holes form easily without tearing.
Jello Pour Patience: Pour the jello slowly in rows to ensure it soaks nicely into holes and creates colorful layers.
Chill Time Matters: Don’t skimp on chilling after topping—this lets the pudding layer set beautifully and intensifies the flavors.
Whipped Topping Folding: Gently fold whipped topping into pudding to keep the topping light and fluffy, avoiding deflation.

How to Serve Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe

Strawberry Lime Poke Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with red and green sprinkles because they’re classic and fun, but fresh mint leaves or a few sliced strawberries on top can add a pop of freshness and make this cake look extra special. Sometimes I even dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar for a snowy effect during the holidays.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with light, festive cocktails like a sparkling raspberry lemonade or even a hot cup of mulled cider. For food sides, I like serving it alongside a simple green salad or a colorful fruit platter to complement that sweet and tangy flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, try serving the poke cake in a clear trifle dish so everyone can admire all the jewel-toned layers. Alternatively, cut into neat squares and place each piece on a festive plate with a dollop of whipped cream and a lime twist for a friendly, approachable dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake tightly covered in the fridge, usually with plastic wrap or a cake dome to keep it moist and fresh. It holds up wonderfully for up to 3 days, retaining that juicy texture and creamy topping.

Freezing

While I typically recommend enjoying this cake fresh for best texture, you can freeze it for up to a month. Wrap individual slices well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Just note the jello layer might be a little softer after freezing.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your cake feels a little too cold, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cutting to let those flavors shine through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other jello flavors in this poke cake?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible—try raspberry and lemon for a zesty twist or orange and cherry for an even more festive look. Just keep the idea of contrasting flavors and colors for best results.

How do I avoid the cake getting soggy from the jello?

Make sure you poke the holes while the cake is warm so jello penetrates evenly, and chill the cake uncovered at first so it sets properly. Also, don’t over-pour the jello—using less rather than more often keeps the texture spot on.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Choose a gluten-free white cake mix and double-check that your pudding and jello mixes are gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe remains the same and it turns out just as delicious.

What is the best way to serve this cake for a party?

Cut it into bite-sized squares for easy grab-and-go servings, or present it as a whole cake on a festive platter with extra sprinkles on top. Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant touch.

Final Thoughts

The Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s simple, stunning, and so celebratory. It brings together fun colors and flavors that instantly lift the mood, creating those happy moments you want to share again and again. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe every time you want a dessert that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. Happy baking!