Making Mama's Kitchen: Jello Poke Cake

Here's a super easy, super yummy childhood favorite. Basically, you make a cake (usually white, but this time I tried a lemon one I had on hand), let it cool slightly, poke holes all over it, pour jello (flavor of your choice, I usually use cherry or strawberry) in said holes, refrigerate until cold, then top with whipped topping. It doesn't get much simpler, my friends. In the summer, I like to add fresh strawberries to the top right before serving. This cake has accompanied me to many a picnic, holiday, bbq, and cookout and has yet to let me down. I just a love an easy recipe that tastes/looks great! Here's how Mama makes it:

Jello Poke Cake

Ingredients:
- 1 boxed cake mix
- eggs, oil, water according to cake package directions
- 1 (3 oz) box flavored gelatin (and water according to package directions)
- 1 (16 oz) container whipped topping

Directions:

1. Make the cake mix according to package directions. Be sure preheat the oven! Grease the pan with a little cooking spray.

2. Pour cake batter into the prepared pan and bake according to package directions, usually about 30 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.

3. Allow cake to cool while making the gelatin according to package directions (except add both cups of water to the pot to boil, don't save the second one to mix in cold).

4. Using a large fork, handle of a wooden spoon, or other creative poking device, poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Pour prepared gelatin evenly over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight (I made this after work the night before Easter, hence the horrible lighting!).