Easter Poke with Vanilla Gelatin (Printable)
Moist vanilla cake infused with strawberry and lemon gelatin, topped with whipped cream and pastel sprinkles.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cake Base
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
02 - 1 cup water
03 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
04 - 3 large eggs
→ Gelatin Infusion
05 - 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
06 - 1 box (3 oz) lemon gelatin
07 - 2 cups boiling water, divided
08 - 2 cups cold water, divided
→ Whipped Topping
09 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
10 - 3 tbsp powdered sugar
11 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
12 - Assorted pastel sprinkles or jelly beans (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - Prepare vanilla cake batter according to package instructions using water, oil, and eggs. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
03 - Let cake cool for 15 minutes. Using a wooden spoon handle or skewer, poke holes evenly across the entire cake surface about 1 inch apart.
04 - In two separate bowls, dissolve each gelatin flavor in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then add 1 cup cold water to each bowl.
05 - Carefully pour or spoon the gelatins into separate halves of the cake, alternating colors for a marbled effect if desired. Use all the liquid.
06 - Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing the gelatin to completely set.
07 - Whip the chilled cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
08 - Spread whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Decorate with pastel sprinkles or jelly beans if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The bright gelatin ribbons running through vanilla cake look like spring exploded on a plate
- kids can literally help with every single step without you worrying about precise measurements
02 -
- Waiting 15 minutes before poking holes is non negotiable or the cake will fall apart and soak up too much liquid
- Cold whipping cream whips up way faster and holds its shape better so do not skip the chilling time
03 -
- A chopstick makes smaller neater holes than a wooden spoon handle if you want delicate gelatin ribbons
- Set your cake pan on a baking sheet before adding gelatin to catch any drips and save your fridge shelves