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Easy Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe with Jello Stripes for Festive Celebrations

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A quick and festive poke cake featuring red and blue Jello stripes soaked into a moist white cake, topped with whipped topping and fresh berries. Perfect for patriotic celebrations and last-minute parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
  • Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 red instant Jello gelatin packet (cherry or strawberry, about 3 oz)
  • 1 blue instant Jello gelatin packet (blueberry or berry blue, about 3 oz)
  • 2 cups boiling water (divided for dissolving Jello packets)
  • 2 cups cold water (1 cup for each Jello flavor)
  • 8 oz whipped topping (frozen and thawed or fresh whipped cream)
  • Fresh berries for garnish (optional: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the white cake batter according to the cake mix box instructions, combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center to check doneness; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
  5. Cool the cake completely in the pan, about 1 hour at room temperature.
  6. While the cake cools, dissolve each Jello packet separately in 1 cup boiling water. Stir for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
  7. Add 1 cup cold water to each dissolved Jello mixture and stir to combine. Set aside to cool slightly but not set.
  8. Once the cake is fully cooled, use a wooden skewer or toothpick to poke holes about 1 inch apart across the entire surface, about 2 inches deep but not through the bottom.
  9. Pour the red Jello mixture evenly over half the cake, targeting half the holes. Pour the blue Jello mixture over the other half.
  10. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the Jello to set.
  11. Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake with a spatula.
  12. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.
  13. Slice and serve chilled. For clean cuts, dip a sharp knife in hot water before slicing.

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes and pouring Jello to prevent melting. Pour Jello slowly to avoid overflow. Chill the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Use instant Jello packets for quick dissolving and clear stripes. For dairy-free, use coconut whipped cream and gluten-free cake mix if needed. Dip knife in hot water before slicing for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, patriotic dessert, Jello cake, easy summer dessert, Fourth of July dessert, red white and blue cake, quick cake recipe

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/easy-patriotic-poke-cake-recipe-with-jello-stripes-for-festive-celebrations/