This fun Red White and Blue Poke Cake is perfect for holidays! It has fluffy cake soaked in sweet jello and topped with creamy whipped frosting. It’s colorful and super tasty!
Every bite is a treat for the eyes and the taste buds! I love to serve this at parties, and it disappears fast. You might want to make two! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Cake Mix: This forms the base of our poke cake. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap it for a homemade vanilla cake. Just keep an eye on baking times!
Red & Blue Jell-O: For a fun twist, consider using other flavors like raspberry or lemon. The vibrant colors add to the festive look, but don’t stress if you can’t find those flavors; the classic choices work perfectly too!
Whipped Topping: If you’d prefer a lighter option, try using homemade whipped cream. I like to sweeten mine with a little vanilla extract. If you’re dairy-free, coconut whipped cream is a good substitute!
How Do You Get the Jell-O to Absorb Perfectly?
The trick to a well-absorbed Jell-O is to ensure your cake is still warm when you poke the holes. Poking with a wooden spoon or similar tool allows the Jell-O to sink deep into the cake, which makes every bite flavorful. Aim for about 1 inch apart in a grid pattern.
- Use a light hand when pouring each Jell-O to avoid overflow.
- Let the cake sit for at least 3 hours in the fridge to let the Jell-O set. Overnight is even better if you can wait!
Easy Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus required ingredients such as eggs, oil, and water according to package instructions)
- 1 (3 oz) box red Jell-O (strawberry or cherry flavor)
- 1 (3 oz) box blue Jell-O (blueberry or berry blue flavor)
- 1 cup boiling water (for each Jell-O box, total 2 cups)
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip) or whipped cream
- Red, white, and blue star sprinkles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 3 hours to chill. That’s just enough time to let the flavors meld and the Jell-O set! So, plan ahead for a little wait before you dig in.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake Base:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the box of your cake mix. Once it’s ready, prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Cool the Cake:
Bake the cake as directed. When it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will help the Jell-O soak in better later!
3. Poke Holes in the Cake:
Using the handle of a wooden spoon (or any similar tool), poke holes all over the warm cake. Make sure to space them about 1 inch apart in a grid pattern to maximize the flavor infusion.
4. Prepare the Jell-O:
Next, you’re going to prepare each box of Jell-O. Dissolve the content of each box in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring well until fully dissolved. It’s important to do each flavor separately!
5. Add the Jell-O to the Cake:
Now, it’s time to pour! Start with the red Jell-O—scoop and gently pour it over the holes you’ve made on one side of the cake. Then, pour the blue Jell-O over the holes on the opposite side. The middle of the cake will remain white. Pretty, right?
6. Chill the Cake:
Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set and absorbed into the cake. Patience is key here!
7. Spread the Whipped Topping:
Once the cake is fully set, remove it from the fridge. Spread an even layer of whipped topping over the entire cake, covering it nicely.
8. Finish with Sprinkles:
To make it even more festive, sprinkle red, white, and blue star-shaped sprinkles over the whipped topping. This will add a fun pop of color!
9. Slice and Serve:
Slice the cake into squares and serve it cold to your friends and family. Enjoy your beautiful and tasty patriotic Red White and Blue Poke Cake!
FAQ for Easy Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Can I Use A Different Flavor of Jell-O?
Absolutely! While red and blue are festive choices, you can experiment with your favorite Jell-O flavors. Just make sure the colors are vibrant for a nice presentation!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free white cake mix. Just check the package for any additional ingredients needed, and follow the instructions accordingly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The longer it’s stored, the more the flavors may meld, enhancing the taste!
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Definitely! You can make the cake and add the Jell-O 1-2 days in advance. Just make sure to cover it well in the fridge, and add the whipped topping right before serving for the best texture!
