A simple recipe that can easily be converted into a Vegan Cake!
WOW! Was there ever some excitement at the house this weekend. My name is Ella, and I am the dog of our blended family of 6. First, Jacob turned 16 years old, and we also celebrated Easter with a chocolate egg hunt. Jacob is my Mom’s stepson, and he had asked her to bake a Jell-O cake for his birthday. My Mom was so excited to make him this cake since her mother used to bake one for her every birthday when she was little. In our blended family, it’s essential that everyone feels part of the new and old traditions. Even though my Mom only met Jacob when he was seven years old, it’s heartwarming to include her family traditions in her stepson’s life. After sharing some pictures, we realize that many of our followers have never had a Jello Cake before, so here is how to bake a Jell-O Cake for an exciting birthday. You can even convert this recipe into a vegan option as well.
Cooking and baking is a great family activity
There are so many benefits of learning how to cook at a young age. Not only is it a great activity to spend some quality time with your children, but it allows them to explore new foods, learn new skills and teach them about responsibility too.
What you will need
Benjamin is the second youngest and loves to bake and cook, so he was as excited to get involved in baking Jacob’s Birthday cake. The cake will need to sit overnight in the fridge, so plan to bake it the day or evening before the event and add the whipping cream on the day of the celebration. So before starting the Jello-O cake, here is the list of ingredients you will need:
- Box of white cake mix: My Mom likes using Duncan Hines classic mix. However, you can use any of the ones you like or make your own from scratch. Check the box and get the ingredient you need to bake the white cake. If you convert this recipe to a vegan cake, most Betty Crocker mixes are vegan and some Duncan Hines as well. You only have to substitute the milk and egg for a vegan option.
- JELL-O: You will need two boxes of Jell-O. The boys love deciding what colours the cake will be. Depending on the celebration, there are so many colours to choose from. Jacob chose Cherry (red) and lime ( green). There is a brand called Simply Delish Jel Dessert for a vegan gel option. They have raspberry, black cherry and lime flavours that would work well for this Jell-O cake.
- Whipping Cream: My Mom uses a box of whipping cream powder mix. However, you can make it from scratch if you like. For a vegan option with no coconut, check out Nora’s whipping cream with no coconut recipe.
You will also need :
- Hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Parchment paper
- 2 round 9” cake pans
JELL-O CAKE
Equipment
- 1 Hand Mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring Cups
- Parchement paper
- 2 9'' round cake pans
Ingredients
- 1 box White Cake Mix Use any brand you like or make your own white cake.
- 2 box (6oz) Jello Mix Flavors of your choice
- 3 Cups Boiling Water
- 1 pouch Dream Whip Mix The box comes with 4 pouches. You can also use any brand or make your own.
Instructions
- First, bake the white cake mix as described on the box to make 2 rounded 9'' cake
- Put a parchment paper on two large plates. When you take out both cakes that are baked, place them on each plate and let them cool for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- In the meantime, pour the Jello powder into 2 medium bowls (one for each flavour).
- Add 1.5 cups of boiling water to each bowl of Jello powder and slowly stir until the powder is all dissolved. About 3 minutes each and put aside.
- Take a fork and poke holes gently into both cakes; about 2cm deep. Don't go too deep, as you don't want to break your cake. Poke about 12-16 times on both cakes.
- Now, take a spoon and pour the liquid Jell-O gently over the top of each cake. Make one cake a flavour (colour) and the other a different flavour (colour).
- Put the 2 cakes in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Take the 2 cakes out of the fridge and gently turn one cake over the other. Be careful as the cake is full of liquid and will be heavier and easy to break.
- Now put the Cake in the refrigerator for 8 to 24 hours.
Whipping Cream (next day)
- Make your whipping cream from scratch or follow the whipping cream box mix.
- Put the finished cake in the fridge until it's time to celebrate.
- Enjoy the surprise marble Jell-O cake.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to bake a colourful Jell-O Cake for an exciting Birthday, maybe you can start a new tradition with your family. It’s easy to make and the kids will love helping with this one. The best part is cutting into the cake to discover the marble pattern the Jell-O made thru the cake. If you like this recipe check out more of our Gluten Free Brownie Recipe and subscribe to our family newsletters to be one of the first to get our latest post.
