When my kids were little, this cake showed up at the end-of-school-year pool party every. single. year. It was never not a hit—and now that they’re grown, they still ask me to make it. That’s the magic of this ridiculously easy pool party cake: it’s nostalgic, affordable, and it brings joy to any summer celebration.
Let’s be real: custom cakes are expensive. In this economy? No ma’am. We’re DIY’ing it. And you don’t need a fancy baking course or a Pinterest-perfect kitchen to pull it off. If you can pour Jello and unwrap candy, you’ve got this.
It’s sweet. It’s silly. It’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Success
As of 2025, this cake costs just over $21 CAD to make using standard grocery store items in Canada. That’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a custom cake—and a lot more fun to put together. It’s budget-friendly without looking cheap, and bonus: it tastes just as good as it looks.
- Use clear vanilla cake or white cake mix to keep colours vibrant.
- For a gluten-free version, choose a GF cake mix and check your candy labels.
- Let kids help decorate—it’s half the fun, and honestly, the messier the better.
Not Just for Easter
This Bunny Bait snack mix is just as perfect as a party favour as it is served poolside. Sweet, salty, and totally addictive.
Party-Worthy & Pinterest-Proven
This cake has been pinned, shared, and recreated countless times since I first made it in 2012. It’s the kind of dessert that checks all the boxes: easy to prep, fun to decorate, photogenic, and unforgettable. There’s no pressure to be perfect here—the messier the bears, the more realistic the pool party.
If you’re short on time but still want to bring the wow factor, this is your go-to summer cake. It’s the edible version of throwing on a bathing suit and jumping in without checking the temperature first. Zero regrets.
Why This Pool Party Cake Makes a Splash
This cake isn’t about baking perfection—it’s about joyful memories. I’ve made this for over a decade, and it never fails to deliver smiles. It’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and endlessly customizable. If you’re looking to impress without stress, this is the cake.
You’re not just making dessert. You’re making memories.
Pool Party Cake
A fun and easy cake made with Jello, Teddy Grahams, and candy—perfect for summer birthdays, end-of-school parties, or any casual celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix, vanilla works well
- 2 packages blue Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 4 cups ice cubes
- 1.5 cups Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 package Gummy Lifesavers
- 1 package Striped Sour Belts
- 1 bag Teddy Grahams
- 1 Vanilla Wafer
Instructions
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Bake the cake according to the box directions in a 9×13 pan. Let it cool completely.
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Cut out the pool. Using a serrated knife carefully cut and scoop out a shallow rectangle from the centre of the cake, leaving a 2-inch border on all sides. (Snack on the cake bits—chef's privilege.)
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Make the Jello. Stir the boiling water into the Jello powder until fully dissolved. Add the ice cubes and stir until it starts to thicken. Remove any unmelted ice.
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Fill the pool. Pour the semi-set Jello into the carved-out centre of the cake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully firm.
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Decorate. Frost the cake edges with Cool Whip. Place Teddy Grahams in Gummy Lifesavers as floaties, lay them on sour belts as loungers, and stick one upright at the end of a vanilla wafer diving board. Line the sides of the cake with peach rings or whatever round candy you have on hand.
FAQ: Pool Party Cake Edition
Yes! In fact, it’s better when the Jello has had time to set fully. Just wait to decorate the top until closer to serving so everything stays fresh.
Absolutely. Any vanilla or white cake recipe will work. The boxed mix just makes life easier.
Mini animal crackers or gummy bears can work in a pinch—just get creative.
Yes. Use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check all your candies for hidden gluten ingredients.
Purists might not love it, but Cool Whip is actually the best choice here. Fresh whipped cream won’t hold up well once the cake is chilled with Jello—it breaks down too quickly. You want something that stays fluffy and holds its shape, and Cool Whip delivers every time.
For the Grownups
These Margarita Freezies are perfect for cooling off poolside—just be sure to keep them out of reach of the kids. Adults only, please.
Looking for More Easy Pool Party Recipes ?
If you’re making a full meal, here are some summer-time suggestions that everyone loves. Start with my Broccoli Salad—it’s so good even veggie haters will eat it happily. Pair it with Macaroni Salad and Barbecue Ribs with a Cherry Glaze for an easy outdoor feast that checks every box.
Updated July 11, 2025
Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Tara
Fantastic idea!!! I can’t wait to make it with my daughter!!!
Thanks, Tara
Sharon
Super cute! I’ll hire you the next time I need a cake!
Michelle
That is so awesome!!!! The kids will go crazy over this! I know what I’m making this party weekend!
Thanks! Michelle
Candace
How did it go Michelle?