St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe
Introduction
This St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake is a festive and fun dessert perfect for celebrating the holiday. With vibrant lime Jello poked into a moist white cake and topped with creamy white chocolate pudding and sprinkles, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy sweet cravings.

Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the package: water, oil, egg whites)
- 1 box lime Jello (3 ounce size)
- 2 cups water
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- 1 box white chocolate instant pudding mix (3 ounce size)
- 1/3 cup St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions.
- Step 2: Pour the batter into a 13×9 inch pan and bake as directed. Once baked, place the cake on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
- Step 3: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake.
- Step 4: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in the lime Jello mix. Add 1 cup of cold water and stir until completely dissolved.
- Step 5: Carefully pour the prepared Jello into the holes on top of the cake. Transfer the cake to the refrigerator and chill overnight to allow the Jello to set.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, whisk together Cool Whip and white chocolate pudding mix until smooth and well combined.
- Step 7: Spread the whipped topping mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cake using a spatula or knife.
- Step 8: Finish by sprinkling the St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles over the top for a festive touch.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try substituting lime Jello with lemon or green apple Jello for different citrus notes.
- If you prefer a less sweet topping, use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip mixed with pudding.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before poking holes to prevent crumbling.
Storage
Store the poke cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the texture of the Jello and topping. For best results, serve cold but allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any white or yellow cake mix you prefer. Avoid using dark chocolate or spice-based cakes to keep the fresh, bright flavor balance.
How long should I chill the cake before serving?
Chilling overnight is ideal to let the Jello fully set inside the cake. If short on time, allow at least 4 hours in the refrigerator before adding the topping and serving.
PrintSt. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this festive and colorful poke cake featuring a moist white cake infused with lime Jello, topped with a creamy white chocolate pudding and Cool Whip mixture, and finished with vibrant green sprinkles for a fun and delicious dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients on the back: water, oil, egg whites)
- 1 box lime Jello (3 ounce size)
- 2 cups water
Topping
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- 1 box white chocolate instant pudding mix (3 ounce size)
- 1/3 cup St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Follow the package directions for the white cake mix, using the specified amounts of water, oil, and egg whites to make the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a 13×9 inch baking pan and bake according to the package instructions. Once baked, transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake, spaced evenly to ensure the Jello will soak through.
- Make the Lime Jello Mixture: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in the lime Jello powder until dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water and stir until fully combined.
- Pour Jello into the Cake Holes: Carefully pour the prepared lime Jello mixture evenly into the holes poked in the cake. Transfer the cake to the refrigerator and chill overnight to set.
- Prepare the Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the Cool Whip and white chocolate instant pudding mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Spread the Whipped Topping: Using a spatula or knife, evenly spread the whipped topping mixture over the entire surface of the chilled cake.
- Add Sprinkles: Decorate the top of the cake by sprinkling 1/3 cup of St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles over the whipped topping for a festive finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes to avoid breaking.
- Chilling the cake overnight allows the Jello to fully soak into the cake, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- For extra flavor, consider using freshly whipped cream instead of Cool Whip if preferred.
- Use a 13×9 inch pan to ensure proper baking and Jello absorption.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Keywords: St. Patrick’s Day dessert, poke cake, lime Jello cake, festive cake, white chocolate pudding cake, holiday dessert

