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Easy Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe with Jello Layers Perfect for 4th of July

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A festive and crowd-pleasing poke cake featuring red, white, and blue Jello layers that add a refreshing texture and balanced sweetness, perfect for summer celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (regular or butter-flavored)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 packet (3 oz) red instant Jello gelatin (strawberry or cherry)
  • 1 packet (3 oz) blue instant Jello gelatin (berry blue)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) boiling water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cold water
  • 8 oz tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  • Optional: fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and slightly fluffy.
  3. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  5. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  6. Poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cooled cake using the handle of a wooden spoon or fork.
  7. In two separate bowls, dissolve each Jello packet in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, about 2 minutes. Then stir in 1/2 cup cold water into each bowl to cool gelatin slightly.
  8. Pour red Jello gently over one half of the cake, filling the holes mostly on that side. Pour blue Jello over the other half. Tilt pan slightly if needed to keep colors from mixing.
  9. Refrigerate cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until Jello is fully set.
  10. Before serving, spread an even layer of whipped topping over the entire cake.
  11. Optional: Garnish with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries.
  12. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes and pouring gelatin to prevent melting and sogginess. Use the exact gelatin amounts for perfect texture. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute cake mix and whipped topping accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, patriotic dessert, 4th of July cake, Jello poke cake, easy poke cake, red white and blue dessert, summer party dessert

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/easy-patriotic-poke-cake-recipe-with-jello-layers-perfect-for-4th-of-july/