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Fun Halloween Jello Poke Cake

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This festive Halloween dessert features a moist orange-zest cake studded with vibrant orange gelatin pockets and topped with rich chocolate frosting. The club soda in the batter keeps it extra tender, while serving it cold creates a delightful contrast between the cool gelatin layer and creamy frosting.
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 16 oz cake mix
  • 3 eggs room temperature, about 70°F
  • 1 cup club soda
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Gelatin Layer
  • 6 oz orange gelatin
  • 3/4 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
For the Frosting
  • 12 oz chocolate frosting

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Fork or wooden skewer
  • Offset spatula or butter knife
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with oil and set it aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, room temperature eggs, club soda, oil, and orange zest. Beat on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
  3. Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to level the surface. Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs and the cake springs back when touched. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack or counter for exactly 1 hour.
  4. During the cooling time, make the gelatin mixture. Add the orange gelatin to a medium bowl, pour in the boiling water, and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Stir in the cold water to combine, then let the mixture rest at room temperature while it cools slightly but stays liquid.
  5. After the cake has cooled for 1 hour, take a fork or wooden skewer and pierce holes throughout the entire surface, keeping them about 2 inches apart. Press all the way down to the bottom of the pan to create deep channels. Gradually pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, distributing it evenly and allowing it to flow into all the holes.
  6. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for 2-3 hours until the gelatin has completely set and feels firm when gently pressed.
  7. Take the chilled cake out of the refrigerator. Using an offset spatula or butter knife, spread the chocolate frosting in an even layer across the top, creating decorative swirls for a festive appearance. Slice into squares and serve cold directly from the fridge.

Notes

This cake is best made ahead and improves after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld together. You can bake and add the gelatin up to two days in advance, but wait to frost until the day of serving or up to 24 hours ahead. The cake must be fully cooled before adding gelatin or it will melt instead of setting into defined pockets. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; freezing is not recommended as the gelatin layer becomes watery when thawed. For extra Halloween flair, decorate the frosted cake with candy eyes, crushed Oreos, or orange and black sprinkles before serving.

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