Print

Red White and Blue Layered Poke Cake

Red White and Blue Layered Poke Cake - featured image
Print Recipe

This festive poke cake features vibrant red and blue gelatin ribbons running through a soft white cake, topped with fluffy whipped topping and sprinkles. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for summer celebrations like Memorial Day and Fourth of July.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry or cherry gelatin (red layer)
  • 1 package (3 oz) blueberry or berry blue gelatin (blue layer)
  • 2 cups boiling water, divided
  • 2 cups cold water, divided
  • 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  • Red, white, and blue sprinkles or sanding sugar, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, water, and oil. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed (or whisk by hand) until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Let cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15–20 minutes until warm but not hot.
  5. Using a fork, chopstick, or handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake.
  6. In two separate bowls, dissolve each gelatin flavor in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved, then add 1 cup cold water to each and stir again.
  7. Carefully pour red gelatin over half the cake, focusing on some holes. Pour blue gelatin over the other half, alternating colors for a tie-dye effect.
  8. Cover cake loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully set. Overnight is best.
  9. Once chilled and set, spread whipped topping evenly over the cake with an offset spatula or butter knife.
  10. Sprinkle generously with red, white, and blue sprinkles or sanding sugar. Add fresh berries if desired.
  11. Slice into squares and serve chilled. Wipe knife between cuts for clean layers.

Notes

For gluten-free or dairy-free, use appropriate cake mix and whipped topping. Chill overnight for best color and flavor. Use a hot, clean knife for neat slices. Customize colors for other holidays. Add fresh berries for extra flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, red white blue cake, Fourth of July dessert, patriotic cake, summer dessert, easy cake, party cake, layered cake, festive cake

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/red-white-and-blue-layered-poke-cake-recipe-for-easy-festive-celebrations/