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Perfect Red White and Blue Poke Cake Recipe with Easy Jello Layers

red white and blue poke cake - featured image

A moist vanilla poke cake with red and blue Jello layers that create a colorful, festive dessert topped with whipped cream. Perfect for summer parties and patriotic celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
  • Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 package (3 ounces) red Jello (cherry or strawberry)
  • 1 package (3 ounces) blue Jello (blueberry or blue raspberry)
  • 1 1/4 cups boiling water (divided)
  • 1 1/4 cups cold water (divided)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Fresh blueberries and strawberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the cake batter by combining the white cake mix with eggs, oil, and water according to the box instructions. Mix gently until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. While the cake bakes, dissolve each Jello package separately in 2/3 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved, then add 2/3 cup cold water to each and mix well. Let cool slightly.
  5. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Using a toothpick or skewer, poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake.
  6. Pour the red Jello evenly over half the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Then pour the blue Jello over the other half. Spread gently if needed.
  7. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or until the Jello is fully set.
  8. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
  9. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the set cake. Garnish with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries if desired.
  10. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Notes

Use firm, small-curd Jello packets for best shape retention. Chill mixing bowls before whipping cream for better peaks. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice cleanly. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cake mix; for dairy-free, substitute coconut whipped cream. Do not overbake the cake to keep it moist for Jello absorption.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, red white and blue cake, Jello poke cake, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July dessert, easy summer cake, vanilla cake with Jello, whipped cream topping