Desserts

Jolly Rancher Watermelon Poke Cake

Nothing says “summer” quite like a sweet and juicy slice of watermelon! It is a favorite summertime snack, and July is even known as National Watermelon Month. And because it is so popular, there are now countless…

A slice of Watermelon Jolly Rancher Poke Cake served on a white dessert plate on top of a floral print cloth napkin

Nothing says “summer” quite like a sweet and juicy slice of watermelon! It is a favorite summertime snack, and July is even known as National Watermelon Month. And because it is so popular, there are now countless watermelon-flavored foods on market, and watermelon ranks 6th in the list of the top hard candy flavors. This Jolly Rancher Watermelon Poke Cake is just bursting with the sweet taste of watermelon. This recipe is quick and easy to make, so it's a perfect addition to any summertime celebration. The light and airy cake is infused with watermelon gelatin, then combined with a fluffy layer of watermelon-flavored cream cheese topping. Jolly Rancher Watermelon Poke Cake is a truly great way to enjoy a little taste of summer, anytime!

The Jolly Rancher brand has been making their classic hard-candy treat since the 1950s. And watermelon, one of the four original Jolly Rancher candy flavors, still remains an all-time favorite. Recently, Jolly Rancher has gone on to expand their line of watermelon-flavored products to include soft candy chews, licorice, and even [easyazon_link identifier="B00FP493QI" locale="US" tag="allshecooksblog-20"]gelatin mixes[/easyazon_link].

What is Poke Cake?

Poke Cake was invented in 1969 by General Foods Corporation, as a way to increase sales of their flagship product, Jell-O. The original version is made by baking a white sheet cake, poking holes with a fork all over the top of the cake, and then pouring strawberry Jell-O all over the top of the cake, allowing it to fill the 'poked' holes.

Bakers are even moving beyond gelatin and filling their poke cakes with everything from flavored syrups, chocolate, and salted caramel, to boozy cocktail mixers. Another popular filling choice is to use fruit in a variety of forms, such as purées, jams and compotes. This Jolly Rancher Watermelon Poke Cake recipe swaps in watermelon for strawberry gelatin, and takes the

More Poke Cake Recipes

Looking for more ways to enjoy deliciously light and airy poke cake? Our version of the original Strawberry Poke Cake recipe goes a step further by adding a hidden layer of delectable cheesecake pudding topped with sliced, fresh strawberries. If you're feeling adventurous, you've got to check out our adults-only recipe for Boozy Pineapple Piña Colada Poke Cake! And, if you're in the mood for a more decadent dessert, this rich and delicious Chocolate Toffee Poke Cake is sure to satisfy. Another perfect summertime dessert, Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake, is a fun take on the classic frozen treat.

How To Make Jolly Rancher Watermelon Poke Cake Step By Step

Step #1: Bake cake in 13x9 pan according to package instructions. Allow to cool.

Step #2: Using a fork, poke holes in the top of the cake.

Step #3: Pour gelatin powder into a medium bowl and scoop out two tablespoons to mix together with the cream cheese. With the remaining gelatin, mix together until dissolved with ¾ cup boiling water.

baked white cake in a sheet pan next to a bowl of Jolly Rancher Watermelon Gelatin liquid and a larger bowl of creams cheese mixture

Step #4: Carefully spoon the gelatin over the cake, making sure to pour over the holes.

baked white cake in sheet pan with holes poked in the top and Jolly Rancher Watermelon gelatin liquid poured on the cake

Step #5: Next, mix together cream cheese with 2 tablespoons gelatin until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and milk.

close up view of the poke cake next to a white mixing bowl containing the blended cream cheese mixture

Step #6: Top with whipped topping and chill for 4 hours before serving.

Recipe photograph

Slice, garnish with a watermelon wedge, and enjoy!

close up view of two servings of Jolly Rancher Watermelon poke cake on white plates and topped with fresh watermelon wedges with two silver forks

Recipe

Recipe

Jolly Rancher Watermelon Poke Cake

  • Yield Servings 12
  • Prep Prep Time 15 mins
  • Cook Cook Time 26 mins
  • Total Total Time 41 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 18.25 ounce package white cake mix, prepared to package instructions
  • 1 2.79-ounce package Jolly Rancher Watermelon gelatin, divided (reserve 2 tablespoons powder for cheesecake mixture)
  • ¾ cup water
  • 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 8 ounce whipped cream, thawed

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bake cake in 13x9 pan according to package instructions. Allow to cool.

  2. 2

    Using a fork, poke holes in the top of the cake.

  3. 3

    Pour gelatin powder into a medium bowl and scoop out two tablespoons to mix together with the cream cheese. With the remaining gelatin, mix together until dissolved with ¾ cup boiling water.

  4. 4

    Carefully spoon the gelatin over the cake, making sure to pour over the holes.

  5. 5

    Next, mix together cream cheese with 2 tablespoons gelatin until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and milk.

  6. 6

    Top with whipped topping. Chill for 4 hours before serving.