Festive Patriotic Layered Jello Poke Cake Recipe Easy and Perfect for Holidays
A simple and festive layered Jello poke cake with vibrant red and blue Jello layers soaked into a white cake, topped with light and fluffy Cool Whip. Perfect for summer holidays and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (e.g., Betty Crocker)
- Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (typically 3 eggs, 1/2 cup oil, 1 cup water)
- 3 oz red Jello powder (strawberry or cherry)
- 3 oz blue Jello powder (blue raspberry)
- 2 cups boiling water (1 cup per Jello flavor)
- 1 cup cold water (1/2 cup per Jello flavor)
- 8 oz Cool Whip tub
- Optional: Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake surface.
- In two separate bowls, dissolve each 3 oz Jello powder in 1 cup boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
- Add 1/2 cup cold water to each bowl and mix well. Let the Jello cool to room temperature but not set, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pour the red Jello gently over half the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes evenly. Then pour the blue Jello over the other half.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the Jello to absorb and set.
- Spread an even layer of Cool Whip over the entire cake once set.
- Garnish with fresh berries if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
Do not poke holes in a warm cake to avoid crumbling. Pour Jello when cool but still liquid to prevent melting the Cool Whip. Chill the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor infusion. For distinct Jello layers, chill the first layer briefly before adding the second.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cak
- Calories: 220
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: Jello poke cake, patriotic dessert, layered cake, Cool Whip topping, easy holiday dessert, Fourth of July dessert, summer cake