This fun Red White and Blue Poke Cake is perfect for celebrations! Made with a fluffy white cake, it’s poked and filled with red and blue jello for a festive look. Yum!
Every slice feels like summer! I love how easy it is to make. Just bake, poke, and pour—the colorful layers make it a real showstopper, and you can’t resist a bite! 🎉🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake Mix: This is the base of your poke cake. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make a basic vanilla cake from scratch instead. Just replace the mix with flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, milk, and eggs.
Red and Blue Gelatin: I love using strawberry for red and blueberry for blue, but feel free to switch them to your favorite flavors. You can also look for sugar-free options if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Whipped Topping: While Cool Whip is easy and convenient, you could use homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until peaks form.
How Do You Ensure Even Distribution of Gelatin?
Poking holes in the cake is essential for letting the gelatin seep in. Make sure to poke down deep enough without hitting the bottom. You want to create lots of holes about an inch apart for good soaking. It’s all about building that flavor!
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or fork to poke holes all over the cake.
- Pour the gelatin slowly to allow it to fill those holes without spilling over the sides.
Let the cake chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours — this helps set the gelatin and keeps your cake nice and moist. Patience is key here, but it’s worth it!
Easy Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare as directed on the box, typically oil, eggs, and water)
- 1 (3 oz) package red flavored gelatin (such as strawberry or cherry Jell-O)
- 1 (3 oz) package blue flavored gelatin (such as blueberry or berry blue Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water (divided for the gelatin)
- 2 cups cold water (divided for the gelatin)
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Red, white, and blue star sprinkles for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, with around 30-35 minutes for baking. You’ll need to let it chill for at least 4 hours in the fridge to let the gelatin set properly. So in total, plan for a little over 4 hours and 15 minutes! Perfect for planning a fun gathering or holiday celebration!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Baking the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the white cake mix box. Prepare your cake batter by following the directions on the package. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, usually around 25-30 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Poking the Holes:
Once cooled, grab the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork. Carefully poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Make sure to poke deep enough for the gelatin to soak in, but not all the way through the bottom of the cake.
3. Adding the Gelatin:
For the red gelatin, dissolve the powder in 1/2 cup of boiling water and stir until fully dissolved. Then, mix in 1 cup of cold water. Pour the red gelatin slowly over one side of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
Next, prepare the blue gelatin by dissolving it in 1/2 cup of boiling water. Stir until dissolved, then add in 1 cup of cold water. Pour the blue gelatin over the opposite side of the cake, again allowing it to seep in nicely.
4. Chilling the Cake:
Now, it’s time to chill! Carefully cover the cake and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. This will help the cake maintain its moisture and vibrant colors.
5. Topping and Serving:
When you’re ready to serve, take the cake out of the fridge and spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire surface. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with red, white, and blue star-shaped sprinkles if desired. Finally, slice into squares and enjoy your beautifully patriotic dessert!
This red, white, and blue poke cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a sweet treat that everyone will love. Perfect for celebrations like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any occasion that calls for a splash of color!
FAQ for Easy Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Gelatin?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the red and blue gelatin flavors for your favorites. Options like raspberry or green apple can also work well, just keep an eye on the color contrast!
What If I Don’t Have Whipped Topping?
No problem! You can make homemade whipped cream by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. This will add a lovely fresh taste to your cake!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be mindful that the whipped topping may lose some of its fluffiness over time!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! This poke cake is perfect for making a day in advance. Just follow the recipe and allow it to set in the fridge overnight. It will be deliciously chilled and ready to serve when you need it!
