This fun poke cake is a colorful treat! It features layers of fluffy cake, sweet frosting, and bright red and blue jello. Perfect for summer celebrations, it’s a real showstopper!
I love how simple it is to make. Just poke some holes in the cake, pour in the jello, and top it off with whipped cream. It’s as easy as pie—er, cake! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: Using a box of white cake mix makes this recipe super easy! If you prefer homemade, you can use your favorite vanilla cake recipe. Any flavor cake mix can work if you’re feeling adventurous!
Jello: The red and blue jello adds vibrant color and fun flavor. If you’d like to make this sugar-free, opt for sugar-free jello instead. You can also experiment with other flavors like raspberry or blueberry.
Whipped Topping: Store-bought whipped topping is convenient, but homemade whipped cream is delightful! Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form for a fresh taste.
Sprinkles: The star-shaped sprinkles give a festive touch! Feel free to skip them or use colored sugar or nuts if you prefer just as much fun but a different look!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Poked Holes?
Poking holes in the cake is key to letting the Jello soak in. Here’s how to do this step by step:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, take a wooden spoon handle, chopstick, or similar tool.
- Gently press it straight down into the cake surface at about 1-inch intervals, creating holes without going all the way to the bottom.
- Make sure to have holes on both sides for the red and blue Jello, leaving the center for the white area.
This technique ensures that the jello seeps deep into the cake, creating the delicious, moist layers!
Easy Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare it as directed on the box)
- 1 package (3 oz) red Jello gelatin
- 1 package (3 oz) blue Jello gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water (divided equally for each Jello packet)
- 2 cups boiling water (total for Jello, 1 cup each)
- 2 cups cold water (divided equally for each Jello packet)
- 4 cups cold water (total for Jello, 2 cups each)
- 2 tubs (8 oz each) whipped topping (or about 4 cups of homemade whipped cream)
- Red, white, and blue star-shaped sprinkles (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty cake requires about 30 minutes of prep time, along with 30-40 minutes of baking time, and at least 4 hours of chilling to set the Jello. In total, you’re looking at around 5 hours from start to delicious finish, but don’t worry—the hands-on time is short and sweet!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake:
First, preheat your oven as directed on the cake mix box. Prepare the white cake mix using the ingredients specified on the box. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake according to the package instructions. Once baked, let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Poke the Cake:
After the cake has cooled, take the handle of a wooden spoon or any similar tool and poke holes all over the top of the cake. Aim for about 1-inch apart to ensure the Jello seeps in nicely. Make sure you have a fair amount of holes on both sides for the red and blue Jello layers, while leaving the center untouched for that white layer.
3. Prepare the Jello:
Now it’s time to make the Jello! Prepare the red and blue Jello according to the package instructions, but remember to reduce the cold water amount by half. For each color, dissolve the Jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water, and then add ½ cup of cold water. This results in firmer, more stable Jello layers.
4. Pour in the Jello:
Carefully pour the red Jello into the holes on one half of the cake and the blue Jello into the holes on the other half. Make sure the center of the cake remains plain, creating a beautiful white middle layer.
5. Chill the Cake:
Pop the cake into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or until the Jello is completely set. This is a great time to sit back and relax as the flavors meld together!
6. Frost and Decorate:
Once the Jello is set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire surface of the cake. Be generous! Finally, sprinkle red, white, and blue star-shaped sprinkles on top for a festive look.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Keep the cake refrigerated until you’re ready to serve it. Cut into squares and watch everyone enjoy the fun layers of red, white, and blue! This cake is perfect for summer parties, celebrations, and any occasion where you want to delight your friends and family.
This vibrant poke cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that’s sure to impress with its fun colors and flavors!
FAQ for Easy Red White and Blue Poke Cake
Can I Use Different Flavors of Jello?
Absolutely! While red and blue Jello create a patriotic look, feel free to experiment with different flavors like strawberry, raspberry, or blue raspberry. Just keep the colors in mind for that festive appearance!
How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free white cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients you use are also certified gluten-free to keep the recipe safe!
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Yes! This cake is great for making ahead of time. Once you’ve frosted it, you can cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before serving. Just add the sprinkles right before serving to keep them looking fresh!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake is best enjoyed within 3 days, but you can keep it up to a week. Just note that the texture of the whipped topping may change slightly over time.
