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Easy Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe with Red White Blue Layers Perfect for 4th of July

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A visually stunning and flavorful poke cake featuring red and blue gelatin layers with a creamy white whipped topping, perfect for patriotic celebrations like the 4th of July.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (e.g., Betty Crocker)
  • Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 small box (3 oz) strawberry or cherry-flavored gelatin (red layer)
  • 1 small box (3 oz) blueberry or mixed berry-flavored gelatin (blue layer)
  • Boiling water (for dissolving gelatin)
  • Cold water or ice cubes (for quick chilling)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions (usually combining cake mix, eggs, oil, and water). Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
  4. Dissolve the red gelatin powder in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water or ice cubes and stir. Let cool to room temperature but do not let it set.
  5. Repeat the same process with the blue gelatin in another bowl.
  6. Once the cake is completely cool, use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes all over the surface about 1-inch apart.
  7. Slowly pour the red gelatin over half the cake, allowing it to fill the holes. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to start setting but not firm completely.
  8. Pour the blue gelatin over the remaining half of the cake in the same way. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until fully set.
  9. In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
  10. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the set gelatin layers. Use a spatula to create gentle swirls or peaks.
  11. Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts.

Notes

Cool the cake completely before poking holes to prevent gelatin from melting. Gelatin should be cool but still liquid when poured to avoid sogginess. Use cold cream and a chilled bowl for best whipped cream results. Dip knife in warm water between slices for clean cuts. For dairy-free, use coconut whipped cream and dairy-free cake mix. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cake mix.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/easy-patriotic-poke-cake-recipe-with-red-white-blue-layers-perfect-for-4th-of-july/