If you’re looking for the ultimate festive dessert that brings instant holiday cheer, this Christmas Jello Cake is it. With its bright red and green stripes, soft and tender white cake base, and fluffy Cool Whip topping, it’s the kind of nostalgic treat that lights up any holiday table. Kids love it, adults rave about it, and it’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or cozy December nights at home.
This chilled, refreshing dessert is also incredibly easy to make—just bake, poke, pour, and chill. The Jello seeps into the warm cake, creating beautiful ribbons of color and flavor in every bite. It’s vibrant, fun, and wonderfully festive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Eye-catching and festive — the red and green Jello layers make every slice look magical.
- Super easy to prepare — anyone can make this with boxed cake mix and simple steps.
- Make-ahead friendly — perfect for holiday gatherings since it chills for hours.
- Light, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing — a fun alternative to heavy holiday desserts.
- Budget-friendly ingredients — only a few inexpensive items needed.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients
Forms the light, fluffy base that absorbs the Jello beautifully. - 3 oz box lime Jello
Adds a bright green layer with a refreshing citrus flavor. - 3 oz box cherry Jello
Brings a festive red tone and sweet cherry taste. - 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
Creates a soft, cloud-like topping with a creamy finish. - Red and green sprinkles
Adds fun texture and color on top.
How to Make Christmas Jello Cake
Step 1: Prep & Bake the Cake
Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, making sure to measure everything accurately for best texture.
Grease a 9×13 baking pan thoroughly, then pour in the batter and spread it evenly.
Bake according to the package temperature and time until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 2: Cool & Poke
Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes, or until it’s warm but not hot.
Use a straw or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke evenly spaced holes across the entire cake.
Tip: Don’t poke too close together—this helps the colors stay defined rather than blending.
Step 3: Prepare the Jello
Prepare the lime Jello using 1 cup boiling water + ½ cup cold water.
Repeat the process with the cherry Jello. These modified measurements keep the Jello more concentrated for bold color and flavor.
Step 4: Pour the Colors
Carefully pour the green lime Jello over half the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Pour the red cherry Jello over the other half.
Tilt the pan gently if needed to help the liquid distribute evenly.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate the cake for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best for the cleanest slices and deepest flavor.
Step 6: Top and Decorate
Spread the thawed Cool Whip over the chilled cake.
Finish with festive red and green sprinkles.
Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Step 7: Serve
Slice into squares, wiping the knife between cuts for clean color lines.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- Refrigerate overnight for the most vivid layers and best texture.
- Pour Jello slowly to avoid pooling on top of the cake.
- Don’t skip wiping the knife between cuts—this helps preserve the gorgeous stripes.
- Use a deep 9×13 pan to prevent overflow when adding the Jello.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or mixer
- Measuring cups
- Straw or wooden spoon handle
- Spatula for spreading Cool Whip
Recipe Variations
- Rainbow Jello Cake — Use 3–4 different Jello flavors for a multicolored celebration cake.
- Strawberry & Lime Punch Cake — Swap the white cake for lemon or strawberry cake mix for extra flavor.
- Snowy Christmas Cake — Add coconut flakes on top of the Cool Whip for a “snow-covered” effect.
- Extra-Creamy Version — Fold softened cream cheese into the Cool Whip for a richer topping.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve extra chilled for the most refreshing texture.
- Pair with hot cocoa, peppermint mochas, or holiday punch.
- Garnish each slice with a cherry on top for a retro touch.
- Add crushed candy canes for a peppermint crunch.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, but stabilize it with powdered sugar or gelatin so it holds up in the fridge.
Can I use different Jello flavors?
Absolutely—mix and match colors and flavors depending on the occasion.
Can I bake this ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is ideal for making the day before serving.
Why did my Jello pool on top instead of soaking in?
The cake may have cooled too much, or the holes were too small. Make sure the cake is still slightly warm and poke bigger holes.
How long does this cake last?
Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Christmas Jello Cake
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and vibrant holiday dessert featuring layers of white cake soaked with red and green Jello, topped with fluffy Cool Whip and sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients
- 3 oz box lime Jello
- 3 oz box cherry Jello
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the white cake according to package directions.
- Pour cake batter into a greased 9×13 baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake according to package instructions until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool for 20 minutes until just warm.
- Use a straw or wooden spoon handle to poke holes evenly over the entire cake.
- Prepare lime Jello with 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water; stir until dissolved.
- Prepare cherry Jello with the same measurements.
- Carefully pour green Jello over one half of the cake, letting it fill the holes.
- Pour red Jello over the other half of the cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Spread thawed Cool Whip evenly over the cake.
- Decorate with red and green sprinkles.
- Refrigerate until serving. Cut into squares and wipe the knife between cuts.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
- You can use assorted Jello colors for a more vibrant look.
- Perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Jello Cake is everything a holiday dessert should be—cheerful, colorful, delicious, and wonderfully nostalgic. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, attending a Christmas potluck, or just want to brighten up the season with something fun and festive, this cake is guaranteed to delight. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and let its holiday colors bring joy to your table.
