With bright pops of red and blue cake hidden beneath a layer of colorful whipped topping and sprinkles, this Red, White & Blue Patriotic Poke Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that will shine at your 4th of July celebration.
If you haven’t noticed, I’m a little obsessed with poke cakes. They feed a crowd, can be made in countless flavor combinations, and are easy to prepare a day or two in advance. No-fuss and totally festive.
Like our Christmas Poke Cake, this red, white and blue version is fail-proof and perfect for holiday parties. Bright Jell-o colors soak into the cake to create a fun surprise with every slice.
Red, White & Blue Poke Cake
Every poke cake starts with a cake. This recipe uses a boxed white cake mix for convenience, but you can certainly use your favorite homemade white cake. Once the cake has cooled completely, use a wooden spoon handle or a straw to poke holes evenly across the surface.
Prepare one box of blue Jell-o and one box of red Jell-o. For the poke cake, use 1/2 cup less cold water than the package directs so the gelatin is slightly firmer when it sets inside the cake.
Use roughly two-thirds of each prepared Jell-o to pour over the cake, saving any extra for Jell-o cups or another use. If you want clear blue and red sections, spoon the Jell-o into specific areas so the liquid goes into the holes—this is what creates the colorful pockets inside the cake.
It may look wet at first, but refrigerating the cake for at least a few hours—or overnight—lets the Jell-o set inside the cake. The gelatin firms up and creates a soft, moist texture that’s surprising and delicious.
When the cake is chilled and the Jell-o is set, spread an 8-ounce tub of thawed whipped topping over the surface. You can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer.
The whipped topping is a blank canvas—decorate it however you like. Add maraschino cherries, strawberries and blueberries, patriotic sprinkles, or create swirls of food coloring for a fireworks effect. I swirled red and blue food coloring into the topping and finished with red, white and blue jimmies for a festive look.
When you slice the cake, the bright red and blue pockets peek through the white crumb—such a fun surprise for guests and kids alike.
Below is the step-by-step recipe so you can make your own Red, White & Blue Poke Cake for the 4th of July.
If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below—I love hearing from you!
Red, White & Blue Poke Cake
5 from 3 reviews
- Author: Melissa Riker
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10
Ingredients
- One white cake mix plus ingredients called for on the package (or your favorite white cake recipe)
- One 3 oz box Berry Blue Jell-o
- One 3 oz box Cherry Jell-o
- One 8 oz tub whipped topping (thawed)
- Red and blue food coloring (optional)
- Patriotic sprinkles or jimmies (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the white cake mix according to package directions and allow the cake to cool completely.
- Use a straw or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake surface.
- Prepare each Jell-o box with 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water (this is 1/2 cup less cold water than the package typically calls for).
- Carefully pour or spoon the blue Jell-o over one portion of the cake, making sure the liquid fills the holes.
- Carefully pour or spoon the red Jell-o over the remaining portion of the cake, again filling the holes.
- Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours or overnight so the Jell-o sets inside the cake.
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Just before serving, dip a toothpick in food coloring and gently draw swirls of red and blue through the whipped topping for a fireworks effect (optional).
- Sprinkle with patriotic jimmies or sprinkles.
- Slice and serve. Store leftovers refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 477
- Sugar: 45.7 g
- Sodium: 458.2 mg
- Fat: 23.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 63.2 g
- Protein: 5.3 g
- Cholesterol: 37.7 mg
Hip, hip, hooray for more patriotic party food!
- Red, White & Blue Jell-o Ice Cubes
- Cherry Berry Patriotic Pudding Pies (no-bake)
- Shortbread Sparklers (Chocolate Drizzled Shortbread)