St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe
Introduction
This St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake is a festive and fun dessert that combines the tangy zest of lime Jello with moist white cake and creamy white chocolate pudding topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for celebrating in style with a colorful sprinkle finish.

Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients on the back: 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. Place the baked cake on a wire rack and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Step 3: Poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer.
- Step 4: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in the lime Jello mix. Add 1 cup of cold water and stir until the mix is completely dissolved.
- Step 5: Pour the Jello evenly into the holes on top of the cake. Refrigerate the cake overnight to allow the Jello to set.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, whisk together the Cool Whip and white chocolate pudding mix until well combined and smooth.
- Step 7: Using a spatula or a knife, spread the whipped topping mixture evenly over the entire cake.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles on top of the cake to decorate.
Tips & Variations
- Use a toothpick or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly for best Jello distribution.
- Substitute lime Jello with lemon or orange for a different citrus twist.
- For a richer cake, fold in some whipped cream into the white chocolate pudding mixture.
Storage
Store the poke cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the creamy topping and Jello filling. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly, but it is best enjoyed cold.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
Yes, you can use any white or yellow homemade cake recipe as long as it yields a similar thickness and texture. Just ensure the cake is fully cooled before poking and adding the Jello.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
This cake is ideal when made a day ahead, as it needs to chill overnight for the Jello to set properly inside the holes. It can be stored for up to 3 days refrigerated.
PrintSt. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake Recipe
A festive and colorful St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake featuring a moist white cake infused with lime Jello, topped with a creamy white chocolate pudding and Cool Whip mixture, and decorated with themed sprinkles. Perfect for celebrating the holiday with a fun and easy-to-make dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: water, oil, egg whites)
Jello Filling
- 1 box lime Jello (3 ounce size)
- 2 cups water (divided: 1 cup boiling, 1 cup cold)
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 Cake Batter: Mix the white cake batter according to the package instructions, combining the dry mix with the required water, oil, and egg whites.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into a 13×9 inch baking pan and bake as directed on the cake mix box. Once baked, transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
- Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or similar tool, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cooled cake to allow the Jello to seep in.
- Prepare Lime Jello: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in the lime Jello powder until dissolved. Stir in 1 cup of cold water and mix thoroughly.
- Fill Cake with Jello: Pour the prepared lime Jello evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes. Move the cake to the refrigerator and chill overnight to set.
- Make Whipped Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the Cool Whip and white chocolate instant pudding mix until well combined and smooth.
- Top the Cake: Using a spatula or knife, spread the whipped topping mixture evenly over the entire surface of the chilled cake.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles generously over the top for a festive finish. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before poking holes to prevent crumbling.
- Chilling the cake overnight helps the Jello fully set and creates a moist, flavorful dessert.
- You can substitute lime Jello with lemon or another green-themed flavor if preferred.
- Use a wire rack to cool the cake evenly to avoid sogginess.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Cool Whip and pudding mix with appropriate alternatives.
Keywords: St. Patrick’s Day cake, poke cake, lime jello cake, white chocolate pudding, festive dessert, holiday cake

