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Red White and Blue Poke Cake Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

This vibrant Red White and Blue Poke Cake is a delightful patriotic dessert featuring a moist white cake infused with alternating layers of red strawberry and blue berry gelatin. Topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping mixture, and decorated with fresh strawberries and blueberries, it’s perfect for celebrations and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 18.25 ounce package white cake mix, prepared according to package instructions

Gelatin

  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
  • 1 package (3 oz) berry blue gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water (divided, 1 cup each for gelatin)

Cream Cheese Topping

  • 2 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk
  • 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed

Fruit Topping

  • 1 quart strawberries, chopped
  • 2 cups blueberries

Instructions

  1. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven as directed on the white cake mix package. Prepare and bake the cake in a 13×9 inch pan according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature.
  2. Poke Holes in Cake: Use a fork or a straw to poke holes uniformly all over the surface of the cooled cake. These holes will allow the gelatin to soak into the cake layers for beautiful color and flavor infusion.
  3. Prepare Gelatins: Dissolve the strawberry and berry blue gelatin mixes separately in 1 cup of boiling water each, stirring until fully dissolved.
  4. Pour Gelatin Over Cake: Spoon the blue and red gelatin over the cake, focusing on pouring into the holes you made. Alternate rows of blue and red gelatin across the cake surface for a striking layered effect. To enhance the color penetration, spoon each row 2-3 times.
  5. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Stir by hand until smooth, then gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
  6. Top the Cake: Spread the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture evenly over the gelatin-infused cake. Arrange rows of chopped strawberries and fresh blueberries on top for a patriotic appearance.
  7. Chill Before Serving: Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours to allow the gelatin to set and flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes to prevent it from breaking apart.
  • If desired, you can prepare the gelatin mixtures in advance and refrigerate until your cake is ready for pouring.
  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries and blueberries for optimal flavor and presentation.
  • For a firmer topping, chill the cream cheese mixture slightly before spreading.
  • This dessert can be prepared a day ahead for convenience.