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

patriotic poke cake - featured image
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A bright, fun, and refreshing vanilla poke cake layered with strawberry and blueberry jello, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. Perfect for 4th of July and summer parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix (e.g., Pillsbury)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry jello mix
  • 1 package (3 oz) blueberry jello mix
  • 8 oz whipped topping, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 cups cold water (divided for jello dissolving)
  • Optional garnishes: fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with nonstick spray or butter.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Whisk or beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  5. Remove cake from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. While still warm, poke holes all over the cake about 1 inch apart using a fork or skewer.
  6. In two separate bowls, dissolve each 3 oz jello mix in 1.5 cups boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
  7. Pour the strawberry jello evenly over half the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Then pour the blueberry jello over the other half. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread if needed.
  8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the jello to set fully and flavor the cake deeply.
  9. Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Add fresh berries on top if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and oil for better batter mixing. Do not overmix the batter. Poke holes while the cake is still warm for better jello absorption. Dissolve jello in freshly boiled water. Pour jello slowly to avoid flooding the cake edges. Chill the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Using a fork creates more holes than a skewer, enhancing flavor absorption. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, use appropriate cake mixes and whipped toppings.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, patriotic cake, 4th of July dessert, jello cake, summer dessert, easy cake recipe, vanilla cake, layered cake

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