Description
This vibrant Unicorn Poke Cake is a delightful and colorful dessert perfect for celebrations. Featuring layers of moist white cake infused with rainbow-hued Jell-O flavors and topped with a creamy whipped topping, this recipe combines fun visuals with delicious taste. Easy to make and impressive to serve, it brings a magical touch to any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
Jell-O Filling
- 3 oz box strawberry Jell-O
- 3 oz box blue raspberry Jell-O
- 3 oz box lemon Jell-O
Whipped Topping
- 8 oz tub whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Decorations
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Optional: Unicorn-themed decorations, like cake toppers or edible glitter
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, typically combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
- Make the Jell-O Filling: While the cake cools, prepare each Jell-O flavor separately. Dissolve each 3 oz box of Jell-O powder in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring well. Then add ½ cup of cold water to each and stir. Let the Jell-O mixtures cool down to room temperature but do not allow them to set.
- Poke the Cake: Use the back of a spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake. This allows the Jell-O to seep into the cake, infusing it with flavor and color.
- Add the Jell-O: Slowly pour each colored Jell-O mixture over the cake, one flavor at a time, ensuring the liquid seeps into the holes. Start with strawberry, followed by blue raspberry, and finish with lemon to create a rainbow effect. Once all Jell-O is added, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to firm up.
- Prepare the Whipped Topping: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the tub of whipped topping until fully combined and smooth.
- Frost the Cake: After the Jell-O has set, evenly spread the whipped topping mixture over the top of the cake to create a creamy, fluffy frosting.
- Decorate the Cake: Sprinkle rainbow sprinkles generously over the frosted cake. Add optional unicorn-themed decorations such as edible glitter or themed toppers to enhance the magical look.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy this fun, colorful dessert at your next party or special occasion.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes and adding Jell-O to prevent melting and runny layers.
- Allow Jell-O mixtures to cool but not set, so they can seep properly into the cake holes.
- For best results, chill the cake for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight to let flavors meld and set firmly.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cake gently to keep the layers intact.
- The whipped topping can be flavored with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra taste if desired.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
