This fun and festive poke cake is perfect for any celebration! With layers of fluffy cake and colorful jello, it’s super easy to make and looks amazing on any table.
I love that you can use fresh berries to top it off—it’s like a party in your mouth! Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends without spending all day in the kitchen. 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake Mix: A box mix makes this dessert super easy. You can use a homemade white cake recipe if you prefer baking from scratch. Just remember, it needs to be soft to hold the jello well!
Gelatin: I used strawberry and blue raspberry for vibrant colors. If you want to use other flavors, go for it! Lemon (for yellow) or grape (for purple) can also add fun colors—just choose what you love!
Whipped Topping: I like using store-bought whipped topping for ease. You could whip your own cream for a fresher taste, but it may not hold the same shape when spread on the cake.
Sprinkles: Star-shaped sprinkles give it a festive touch. If you can’t find them, any red, white, and blue sprinkles work great. You could even use fresh fruit for a healthier option!
How Do You Ensure Your Cake Has Evenly Distributed Gelatin?
Poking holes in the cake is key for letting the gelatin work its magic. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Wait until the cake is warm but not too hot to handle. This helps the gelatin absorb better.
- Use a wooden spoon handle or a similar tool to poke straight down into the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Make sure you poke the holes deep enough but not all the way through the cake to achieve the colorful layer effect.
By taking your time with this step, you’ll get that lovely red, white, and blue effect throughout the cake! Enjoy your festive treat!
Easy Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 box (3 oz) red gelatin (strawberry or cherry flavor)
- 1 box (3 oz) blue gelatin (blue raspberry flavor)
- 1 cup boiling water (for each gelatin box)
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- Red, white, and blue star-shaped sprinkles (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious poke cake will take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 30-35 minutes to bake. Don’t forget the 2 hours needed for refrigeration to let the gelatin set! So, in total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 55 minutes to enjoy this sunshine-filled dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan so your cake doesn’t stick. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cake mix with the required eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
2. Bake Your Cake:
Pop the cake into the oven and bake as directed until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30-35 minutes. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack.
3. Poking Time!
Once the cake is cool enough to handle, grab a wooden spoon handle or a similar tool. Poke holes all over the warm cake, about 1 inch apart, so the colorful jello can seep in and create a fun effect!
4. Prepare the Gelatin:
Now it’s time for the fun part! In separate bowls, dissolve each box of red and blue gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir them well until the powder is completely dissolved—a couple of minutes should do it!
5. Color In the Cake:
Carefully drizzle or spoon the red gelatin into the holes on one side of the cake (for example, the right side) and the blue into the holes on the other side (the left side). Leave the middle portion of the cake plain to represent the white part. How patriotic!
6. Chill The Cake:
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will give the gelatin time to set inside and create those beautiful layers.
7. Top It Off!
Once the gelatin has set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula. Decorate the top with your red, white, and blue star-shaped sprinkles if you’d like some extra festive flair.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Keep the cake refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. Cut it into squares to reveal the colorful layers inside. Enjoy your easy and patriotic poke cake with family and friends!
This simple and festive poke cake is perfect for the 4th of July or any celebration where you want to bring a splash of color and fun!
FAQ for Easy Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Can I Use Different Flavors of Gelatin?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your flavors. You can use any colors and flavors you like—just aim for red, white, and blue to keep it festive!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, if it sits too long, the whipped topping may begin to lose its texture.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance! Just prepare, decorate, and store it in the fridge until it’s time to serve. It’s perfect for gatherings since it needs to chill anyway!
What Can I Use Instead of Whipped Topping?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Just keep in mind that it might not hold up as well as store-bought whipped topping when spread on the cake.
