Looking for a no-fuss summer dessert that’s as cute as it is tasty? This Watermelon Poke Cake is a breeze to whip up with boxed cake mix, Jell-O, and Cool Whip, but the playful pink, green, and chocolate chip “seeds” make it look like a party on a plate. Chill it well, slice it up, and watch it disappear!
Poke cakes have been a favorite in our family for years because they’re so easy to customize. All you have to do is bake a simple cake, poke holes all over, and pour in a flavored Jell-O or pudding. It seeps into every bite, giving the cake a bright color and delicious taste. This watermelon version is especially fun for summer.
Watermelon is one of Jackson’s absolute favorite things in the summer, so it’s no surprise he thought this cake was the best. The first time we made it, he couldn’t wait to add the chocolate chip “seeds” and proudly told everyone it tasted just like watermelon! Safe to say it’s now on our must-make list every year.
When we made it for me to photography for the blog, my niece, Pina helped spread the whipped topping and added the chocolate chips with me! So this is a very kid friendly – kids in the kitchen type recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s semi-homemade & super simple: Uses a boxed cake mix and Cool Whip so there’s barely any measuring or fussing.
- Bright, fun, and festive: Looks like a watermelon slice with pink and green colors plus mini chocolate chip “seeds.”
- Perfect make-ahead treat: Needs to chill for a few hours, so you can prep it the day before your party.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser: Kids love it, adults love it, and it’s always the first thing to vanish at potlucks or BBQs.
Ingredients For Watermelon Poke Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp watermelon extract (optional)
- 1 box (3.94 oz) Starburst Watermelon Jell-O
- 2 cups hot water
- 16 oz Cool Whip, thawed
- Pink & green food coloring
- Mini chocolate chips
Ingredient amounts and entire recipe directions in recipe card below with print option!
Which Brands Did I Use For This Watermelon Poke Cake?
Sometimes when it comes to Semihomemade recipe that use packaged foods to create meals, the brands of items can make or break a dish. I don’t think this ALWAYS happens but I do know that not all packaged items are created equally.
White cake mix – I used Duncan Hines
Watermelon Extract – LorAnn Watermelon SS Flavor
Jell-O – Starburst Watermelon Jell-O
Whipped Topping – Cool Whip, thawed
Mini Chocolate Chips – Toll House mini chocolate chips
Everything else was Food Lion Brand or No Brand
How To Make Watermelon Poke Cake:
- Bake the cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, water, oil, egg whites, and watermelon extract until smooth.
Pour into a 9×13 dish and bake as directed on the box. Cool completely. - Poke & pour:
Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
Dissolve watermelon Jell-O in 2 cups hot water. Pour evenly over cake. Chill for 2+ hours. - Decorate:
Tint half the Cool Whip pink and half green.
Spread pink Cool Whip in the center and green on the sides (or swirl as you like).
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the pink area for “seeds.” - Serve
Slice and enjoy cold. Keep leftovers covered in the fridge.
Suggestions:
Can’t find watermelon Jell-O? Try watermelon Kool-Aid + unflavored gelatin for a similar look & taste.
Try other Jell-O flavors: Can’t find watermelon? Use strawberry or cherry Jell-O for a similar pink pop and fruity taste.
Play with the topping: Swirl the pink and green Cool Whip together for a marbled look, or pipe it on with a large star tip.
Make it extra fun: Top with gummy watermelon slices or sprinkles for a playful touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this poke cake last?
Store it covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The colors stay bright, and it actually tastes even better after it’s had time to really chill.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes! Just whip up about 3 cups of heavy cream with powdered sugar and divide to tint pink and green. Keep in mind it may not hold up quite as long as Cool Whip.
What if I can’t find watermelon Jell-O?
You can dissolve 1 packet of unflavored gelatin with a few tablespoons of watermelon Kool-Aid powder and sugar to taste in 2 cups hot water. Or simply use strawberry Jell-O for a delicious variation.
Can I make this a layer cake instead of a sheet cake?
It’s best as a poke cake in a 9×13 pan because of the liquid Jell-O. A layer cake might get too soft and slide around
MORE Watermelon Recipes:
- Watermelon Pizza
- Healthy Watermelon Popsicles
- Summer Brûléed Watermelon
- Mango Watermelon Salsa Mahi Mahi Tacos
Watermelon Poke Cake
Watermelon Poke Cake
Looking for a no-fuss summer dessert that’s as cute as it is tasty? This Watermelon Poke Cake is a breeze to whip up with boxed cake mix, Jell-O, and Cool Whip, but the playful pink, green, and chocolate chip “seeds” make it look like a party on a plate. Chill it well, slice it up, and watch it disappear!
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp watermelon extract (optional)
- 1 box (3.94 oz) Starburst Watermelon Jell-O
- 2 cups hot water
- 16 oz Cool Whip, thawed
- Pink & green food coloring
- Mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Bake the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F.In a large bowl, mix cake mix, water, oil, egg whites, and watermelon extract until smooth. Pour into a 9×13 dish and bake as directed on the box. Cool completely.
- Poke & pour: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.Dissolve watermelon Jell-O in 2 cups hot water. Pour evenly over cake. Chill for 2+ hours.
- Decorate: Tint half the Cool Whip pink and half green.Spread pink Cool Whip in the center and green on the sides (or swirl as you like).Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the pink area for “seeds.”
- Serve Slice and enjoy cold. Keep leftovers covered in the fridge.
If you make this recipe, snap a picture and share it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #semihomemaderecipes — We love to see what you’re making from the blog!
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Welcome to this year’s #SummerDessertWeek event hosted by Angie from Big Bear’s Wife. We’ve got 10 spectacular bloggers/ blogs creating some of the best summer desserts this week and sharing the recipes! We will be sharing our recipes on our blogs (some of those recipe links posted in this post) and on social media with the hashtag #SummerDessertWeek
We hope you’ll find some new favorite recipes this week and have fun with us as we celebrate summer!
- Blueberry Peach Pie Parfaits from Big Bear’s Wife
- Watermelon Poke Cake from Semi-Homemade Recipes
- Ice Cream Bread from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Strawberry Shortcake Fluff from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Orange Skillet Cake from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Strawberry Lemon Popsicles from Blogghetti
- Homemade Drumstick Ice Cream Cones from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Pool Party Jello Cups from For the Love of Food
- Drumstick Cheesecake Cheeseball from Sweet ReciPEAs
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