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 (usually eggs, oil, water) approximately 3 eggs, 1/3 cup oil, 1 cup 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

There’s something magically refreshing about the combo of strawberry and lime that makes celebrations feel extra special. This Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe is exactly that—bright, colorful, and bursting with flavors that scream joyful gatherings and sweet memories.

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

I have to admit, when I first made this Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe, I wasn’t sure how the punchy lime would play with the sweetness of strawberry—and cake, of course. But it blew me away. It’s a perfect balance that feels both nostalgic and fresh, just like you want a holiday dessert to feel.

Vibrant Flavors: The strawberry and lime jellos mix into the cake, giving every bite a zesty pop that's completely irresistible.
Simple Technique: Poking the cake and pouring colored jello into it is such a fun and straightforward way to elevate a box cake.
Show-Stopping Presentation: The reds and greens swirl inside, making it ideal for festive holiday tables or any party that needs a splash of color.
Easy and Crowd-Friendly: It feeds a crowd with ease and doesn’t require fancy baking — just a little love and patience.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This cake leans on the magic of a few classic ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and color. Using a white cake mix keeps the cake light and lets the jello shine through, and the vanilla pudding topping adds a wonderful creaminess that balances the tangy lime.

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: Opt for a good-quality box mix—you want a tender crumb that soaks up the jello perfectly.
Strawberry Jello: Gives that sweet, fruity burst that pairs beautifully with lime.
Lime Jello: Adds a bright, zesty contrast to the strawberry and keeps it fresh.
Boiling Water: Necessary to dissolve the jellos fully so they seep into the cake holes perfectly.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Gives the topping a thick, dreamy texture and a subtle vanilla flavor.
Milk: Helps the pudding reach the right consistency.
Frozen Whipped Topping: Makes the topping light and fluffy—thaw completely for the best fold-in.
Red and Green Sprinkles: Adds a festive crunch and cute finishing touch that’s perfect for holiday vibes.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe is how easy it is to adjust based on what you love or have on hand. I sometimes swap the lime jello for lemon when I want it a little sweeter, or add fresh strawberry slices for extra texture.

Variation: Try using sugar-free jello if you want to lighten the sugar load; I've made it that way for family who prefer less sweetness, and it still works wonderfully.
Dietary Adjustments: You can experiment with dairy-free pudding and whipped topping alternatives, making it inclusive for everyone at your table.
Seasonal Twist: During spring, I like swapping the sprinkles for edible flowers for a fresh look.

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: Get Your Cake Started

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray—this pan size is just perfect for serving a crowd. Then, I mix the white cake mix according to the box directions, but make sure you beat it well to avoid lumps and get that smooth batter. Pour it into the pan evenly and bake as instructed. Sometimes I check it a few minutes before time’s up because ovens love to vary!

Step 2: Poke With Purpose

After it’s baked and cooled for about 15 minutes (you want it warm but not hot), I grab a fork or the handle end of a wooden spoon and poke holes roughly every inch across the cake. This step is where the magic happens, because these holes let the jello fill the cake, turning it into a juicy, colorful masterpiece. Don't rush here—you want a good grid of holes so the jello seeps evenly.

Step 3: The Jello Duo

I prepare the strawberry and lime jellos separately by stirring each with one cup of boiling water until fully dissolved. Here’s a little tip: stir gently to avoid bubbles and let the jello cool just a bit so you don’t melt the cake’s edges. Then, pour the two colors in alternating rows over the cake, making sure to cover well so the colorful jelly puddles fill all those poke holes. Sometimes I pour slowly with a measuring cup for better control. Pop the cake in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let the jello set a bit.

Step 4: Creamy Topping Time

While the cake chills, I whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until it’s smooth and just thickened. Then, folding in the thawed whipped topping creates this luscious, fluffy layer to spread over the cake once the jello has settled. This top layer transforms the texture, making it creamy and dreamy—trust me, it’s worth the extra step! Smooth it out evenly, then chill the whole cake for at least two hours. Patience here pays off big time.

Step 5: Add the Final Festive Touch

Right before serving, I sprinkle playful red and green decorations over the top—these little sprinkles make it instantly festive and add a bit of fun crunch. They really bring the whole Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe to life on the table.

Top Tip

From my experience making this poke cake several times, these tips have made all the difference between a pretty good cake and a truly showstopper.

Even Poking: Take your time to poke the cake in a consistent grid so the jello seeps evenly and colors the cake inside and out beautifully.
Jello Temperature: Pour the jello when it’s warm but not piping hot to avoid melting the cake or making it soggy.
Chilling Time: Don't skip the final chill after adding the topping—it’s essential for firming up the cake and melding flavors.
Mix the Pudding Well: Whisk the pudding and milk thoroughly before folding in the whipped topping for a silky texture without lumps.

How to Serve Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe

Strawberry Lime Poke Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with classic red and green sprinkles—it’s festive and adds just enough crunch to make each bite interesting. Sometimes I’ll add a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint for a fresh touch that makes the plate pop.

Side Dishes

This cake is dessert all on its own, but I’ve paired it with a light citrus salad or simple vanilla ice cream to complement the fruity zest. At holiday dinners, it also works well alongside hot cocoa or sparkling apple cider to keep things feeling bright.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like serving the cake on a festive tray, garnished with edible glitter or fresh lime zest. Layering it with fresh berries around the plate adds a gorgeous touch. I’ve also made mini versions in cupcake tins and poked those with jello for bite-sized fun at summer picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or cover the dish with a lid and keep it refrigerated. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days, and letting it sit overnight helps the flavors deepen even more.

Freezing

Freezing can be tricky with this cake because of the whipped topping and jello layers, which may change texture. I recommend freezing only the plain baked cake layer if you want to prep ahead, then poke and add jello fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

This is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t ideal. If you do want a warmer dessert, let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes out of the fridge, but keep it cool to prevent melting the topping or losing that jello delight.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh fruit instead of jello in the Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe?

Fresh fruit is a delicious addition but won’t replace the jelly texture that the jello creates once it fills the holes. You can add slices on top or between layers, but the poke cake effect comes from the jello soaking into the cake.

How long does the Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake last in the fridge?

This cake keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for prepping a day or two in advance. Just be sure to keep it tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge smells.

Can I use other jello flavors in this poke cake?

Absolutely! While strawberry and lime create a classic festive look and flavor, you can experiment with raspberry and lemon or peach and orange for different occasions. Just keep in mind the colors and how they complement each other and the occasion.

What’s the best way to ensure the jello soaks into the cake properly?

Make sure to poke holes evenly across the cake about 1 inch apart right after baking and while the cake is still warm—not hot. Pour the jello mixtures slowly so they fill the holes instead of just pooling on top. Let the cake chill to allow the jello to set inside the holes properly before adding the topping.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Strawberry Lime Poke Cake Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it combines simplicity with such a festive wow factor. It’s a conversation starter, a crowd pleaser, and honestly, a little bit magical—seeing that colorful jello swirl inside always brings a smile. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make your gatherings just a bit sweeter and brighter!