Jell-O Cake

If ever a dessert could be described as retro-cool, it’s this Jell-O cake. The company behind Jell-O invented a version of this cake in the 1970s as a way to bring gelatin back into fashion after the jiggly salads of the 1950s. Now all things retro are trendier than ever, making Jell-O recipes like this one as hip as they are delicious.

Another reason this style of cake has stood the test of time? It’s incredibly simple, thanks to boxed cake mix, and seriously delicious, too. As the cake chills, the gelatin seeps in, making it super moist and packed with sweet raspberry flavor. Top it with white chocolate whipped cream, slice into it, and let everyone admire the bright, swirly layers before digging in.

Here are more boxed cake mix desserts and summer dessert recipes to make next!

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a baked cake that’s poked all over with a toothpick, fork, or the handle of a wooden spoon to create holes across the surface. A liquid filling—such as gelatin, pudding, sweetened condensed milk, or syrup—is then poured over the top so it seeps into the cake, adding flavor and moisture to every bite.

What’s the best topping for Jell-O cake?

This recipe calls for whipping up a delicious—and easy—white chocolate whipped cream for the topping. But for a time-saver, you can simply top this cake with lightly sweetened whipped cream or even thawed whipped topping if you like.

Can you use a different flavor gelatin?

Yes! You don’t have to use raspberry gelatin; just choose a flavored gelatin with a bright color for the prettiest look. Cherry or strawberry gelatin both work well. For a Fourth of July version, you can also use red and blue gelatin; just pour them in separate rows so the colors stay distinct and don’t blend together.

Can you use sugar-free gelatin in Jell-O cake?

Yes, sugar-free gelatin can be used in this recipe instead of traditional gelatin.

Can Jell-O cake be made ahead of time?

Yes, it must be made at least 6 hours ahead so the gelatin has time to set, but you can make this cake up to 12 hours in advance. To keep the cake from getting too soft, wait until just before serving to complete step 9: finish the white chocolate whipped cream and spread it over the cake. Be sure to keep this dessert chilled from the moment it's made until the moment you serve it—it tastes best cold.

How do you store leftover Jell-O cake?

Tightly wrap leftover Jell-O cake or cover the pan well and store it in the refrigerator. Leftovers will keep for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the cake will continue to soften as it sits.