Red White And Blue Poke Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red White and Blue Poke Cake is a festive, colorful dessert perfect for patriotic celebrations like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Labor Day. With vibrant layers of red and blue gelatin soaked into a fluffy white cake and topped with whipped cream and fresh berries, this cake is both eye-catching and delicious. It’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser at summer gatherings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
red gelatin (such as strawberry or cherry)
blue gelatin (such as berry blue)
boiling water
cold water
whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
fresh strawberries
fresh blueberries

directions

Bake the white cake according to package directions in a 9×13-inch pan. Let it cool slightly.

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.

Prepare the red gelatin with 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water. Pour evenly over half the cake.

Prepare the blue gelatin the same way and pour over the other half of the cake.

Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours to allow the gelatin to set.

Once chilled, spread whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.

Decorate with sliced strawberries and blueberries in a flag pattern or scattered for a festive look.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12-15 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total time: about 5 hours

Variations

Use raspberry or cherry gelatin for a different red flavor.
Substitute homemade whipped cream for a richer topping.
Add cream cheese to the whipped topping for extra tang.
Use star-shaped fruit cutters for a fun twist on the berry decorations.

storage/reheating

Store the poke cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing is not recommended due to the gelatin and whipped topping texture.
Serve chilled straight from the fridge for best results.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better when made the day before to allow flavors to set.

Do I have to use a white cake mix?
White cake highlights the red and blue colors best, but yellow cake can be used in a pinch.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Absolutely, just be sure it’s stabilized if making ahead of time.

What type of gelatin works best?
Use regular flavored gelatin (like Jell-O), not instant pudding or sugar-free versions for best color and texture.

How do I get clean slices?
Chill thoroughly and use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts.

Can I make this in a round pan?
Yes, but a 9×13 pan is easiest for even gelatin distribution.

What if I don’t have fresh berries?
You can use frozen berries, but thaw and drain them well first.

Can I make this without gelatin?
The gelatin is key to the “poke” effect, so skipping it would change the recipe significantly.

Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes, it’s very kid-friendly and a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen.

Is this cake overly sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced by the whipped topping and fresh fruit.

Conclusion

Red White and Blue Poke Cake is a bright, festive dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its easy preparation, colorful presentation, and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s the perfect treat for patriotic holidays and summer celebrations. Bring it to your next BBQ or party and watch it disappear slice by slice!

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