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Easy Patriotic Red White and Blue Poke Cake Recipe for Perfect 4th of July Dessert

patriotic red white and blue poke cake - featured image
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A quick and festive poke cake featuring red and blue gelatin layers soaked into a moist white cake, topped with creamy whipped topping and fresh berries, perfect for summer celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15.25 oz box white cake mix (Pillsbury or Duncan Hines recommended)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (240 ml)
  • 1 cup water (240 ml)
  • 3 oz strawberry gelatin mix packet
  • 3 oz blueberry gelatin mix packet (raspberry gelatin as substitute)
  • 16 oz container whipped topping, thawed (cool whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix with electric mixer or whisk until smooth and lump-free, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Start checking at 28 minutes.
  4. Let cake cool in pan for about 10 minutes until warm but not hot.
  5. Prepare gelatin mixtures: dissolve half of each gelatin packet in 1 cup boiling water, stir until dissolved, then add 1 cup cold water. Let sit about 10 minutes to thicken slightly but not set.
  6. Use a fork or wooden spoon handle to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake.
  7. Pour strawberry gelatin mixture evenly over half the cake, then pour blueberry gelatin over the other half. Refrigerate at least 2 hours to set gelatin.
  8. Beat whipped topping with vanilla extract until fluffy if homemade; if store-bought, ensure thawed and spreadable.
  9. Spread whipped topping evenly over set gelatin layer. Arrange sliced strawberries on red gelatin side and blueberries on blue gelatin side.
  10. Chill cake another 30 minutes to firm topping. Serve chilled.

Notes

Do not overbake the cake to keep it moist for gelatin absorption. Let gelatin cool before pouring to avoid melting whipped topping. Use a fork to poke holes evenly. Chill cake at least 2 hours for gelatin to set and 30 minutes after topping. Fresh berries should be added just before serving to keep them fresh. Thaw whipped topping before spreading. For dairy-free, use coconut whipped cream and dairy-free cake mix. Gluten-free cake mix can be used for gluten-sensitive diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, 4th of July dessert, patriotic cake, red white and blue dessert, gelatin cake, easy summer dessert, berry poke cake

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/easy-patriotic-red-white-and-blue-poke-cake-recipe-for-perfect-4th-of-july-dessert/