Description
Learn how to make a classic strawberry Jello cake! This easy, refreshing dessert is perfect for summer gatherings and will be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
- Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients required to prepare the cake, such as eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Topping:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside. Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, using the ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for the time specified on the package, usually 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Jello Mixture: While the cake is cooling, prepare the Jello. In a mixing bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the Jello mixture and stir to combine. Set the Jello mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Poke the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. These holes will allow the Jello to seep into the cake, creating the marbled effect.
- Pour the Jello: Slowly pour the Jello mixture evenly over the top of the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. The cake will absorb the Jello, creating pockets of strawberry flavor throughout. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the Jello has set and the cake is chilled.
- Prepare the Topping: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined. The topping should be light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully chilled, spread the whipped topping mixture evenly over the top of the cake using a rubber spatula. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the cake.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cake with sliced fresh strawberries, arranging them in a decorative pattern if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh strawberries for the garnish and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh, ripe strawberries provide a vibrant color and natural sweetness that enhances the cake.
- Customize the Flavor: While strawberry Jello is the classic choice, you can experiment with different flavors of Jello, such as raspberry, lime, or orange, to create new variations of the cake. You can also mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi to add variety and texture.
- Enhance the Cake Mix: For a richer flavor, replace the water in the cake mix with milk, and consider adding an extra egg for a denser, more flavorful cake. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter for added depth of flavor.