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Easy Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe with Vibrant Jello Layers for Fourth of July

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A simple and festive poke cake featuring red, white, and blue Jello layers over a moist vanilla cake, topped with whipped cream. Perfect for Fourth of July or any summer gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)
  • Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually 3 eggs, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup oil)
  • 1 small box (3 oz) strawberry or cherry Jello (red layer)
  • 1 small box (3 oz) blueberry or berry blue Jello (blue layer)
  • 1 small box (3 oz) lemon or pineapple Jello (white-ish layer)
  • Boiling water (for dissolving the Jello packets)
  • Cold water or ice cubes (to help the Jello set faster between layers)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (480 ml), chilled
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat 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, combining cake mix with eggs, water, and oil. Beat until smooth and pour into prepared pan.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a rack (about 1 hour).
  4. While cake cools, dissolve each Jello packet in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then add 1/2 cup cold water or ice cubes to each. Pour each flavor into separate bowls for layering.
  5. When cake is cooled, use a wooden spoon handle or skewer to poke holes all over the surface about 1 inch apart, going almost to the bottom but not breaking through.
  6. Slowly pour the red Jello over the cake, filling the holes. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to start setting.
  7. Pour the white Jello evenly over the cake and chill again for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Pour the blue Jello on top and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully set.
  9. Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form (about 3-5 minutes with a mixer). Spread gently over the chilled cake.
  10. Let the cake chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after topping to firm up and make slicing easier.
  11. For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.

Notes

Use a glass pan to better see the colorful layers. Poke holes about 1 inch apart and deep but not through the cake. Pour Jello slowly to avoid pooling. Chill between layers to keep colors distinct. Use sugar-free or gelatin alternatives for dietary needs. For dairy-free topping, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream. Store leftovers covered in fridge up to 3 days; avoid freezing.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/easy-patriotic-poke-cake-recipe-with-vibrant-jello-layers-for-fourth-of-july/