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Lyna Recipes

Patriotic Poke Cake – Easy Red White Blue Dessert

Easy 4th of July Patriotic Poke Cake made with white cake, red and blue Jell-O, and whipped topping for a colorful, moist holiday dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, water
  • Jell-O Layers
  • 1 3 oz box strawberry or cherry gelatin
  • 1 3 oz box blue raspberry or berry blue gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water per flavor
  • ½ cup cold water per flavor
Topping
  • 8 oz whipped topping Cool Whip or similar, thawed
  • Red white, and blue sprinkles
  • Optional: sliced strawberries and blueberries for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven and prepare white cake mix according to box instructions.
  2. Bake cake in a 9x13-inch pan until fully cooked, then cool completely.
  3. Once cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
  4. Prepare red Jell-O by dissolving in 1 cup boiling water, then adding ½ cup cold water.
  5. Repeat process for blue Jell-O in a separate bowl.
  6. Carefully pour Jell-O over the cake, filling holes and spreading color evenly.
  7. Refrigerate cake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Spread whipped topping evenly over chilled cake.
  9. Decorate with sprinkles and optional fresh berries.
  10. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

Cake must be fully cooled before adding Jell-O or it will melt unevenly.
More holes = more color inside the cake.
Overnight chilling gives best flavor and texture.
Don’t overpour Jell-O or cake may become soggy.
Best served cold straight from the fridge.