Irresistible Patriotic Jello Poke Cake
A quick and easy festive dessert featuring a moist white cake poked with red and blue gelatin, topped with creamy whipped topping, perfect for summer celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup water)
- 1 package (3 oz) red Jello gelatin (strawberry or cherry flavor)
- 1 package (3 oz) blue Jello gelatin (blueberry or grape flavor)
- 2 cups boiling water (1 cup per gelatin package)
- 1 cup cold water (1/2 cup per gelatin package)
- 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cake batter according to box instructions using eggs, oil, and water; beat until smooth, about 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Pour batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dissolve each 3 oz Jello package in 1 cup boiling water separately. Stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water to each bowl and let cool until warm but not set, about 10-15 minutes.
- Using a toothpick or skewer, poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cooled cake, going deep but not through the pan.
- Pour red gelatin evenly over one half of the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Pour blue gelatin over the other half. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until gelatin is fully set.
- Spread an even layer of whipped topping over the entire cake. Chill for another 30 minutes before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries.
Notes
Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking and pouring gelatin to prevent melting. Pour gelatin when warm but not hot to avoid melting the cake crumb or whipped topping. Chill the cake thoroughly for best texture and clean slices. For a lighter or allergy-friendly version, use gluten-free cake mix, sugar-free gelatin, and dairy-free whipped topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of c
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: patriotic jello poke cake, red white and blue dessert, easy summer dessert, jello poke cake, festive cake, 4th of July dessert