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Flavorful Stars and Stripes Poke Cake Recipe Perfect for Summer Parties

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A colorful and festive poke cake featuring red and blue Jello layers soaked into a moist white cake, topped with a creamy whipped topping and cream cheese frosting. Perfect for summer parties and patriotic celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 package (3 oz) cherry or strawberry Jello (red)
  • 1 package (3 oz) blueberry or berry blue Jello (blue)
  • 1 cup boiling water (for dissolving Jello)
  • 1 cup cold water (to mix with dissolved Jello)
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional garnishes: fresh strawberries and blueberries, red and blue sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the white cake mix with the ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water). Beat with a mixer for 2 minutes on medium speed until smooth.
  3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes until warm but not hot.
  5. While the cake bakes, dissolve each Jello packet separately in 1/2 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then add 1/2 cup cold water to each. Set aside to cool slightly but not set.
  6. Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the warm cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  7. Slowly pour the red Jello evenly over half of the poked cake, letting it sink into the holes. Then pour the blue Jello over the other half.
  8. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the Jello fully set inside the cake.
  9. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
  10. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping and vanilla extract until well combined and fluffy.
  11. Once the cake is fully chilled and set, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
  12. Garnish with fresh strawberries and blueberries or sprinkles if desired.
  13. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Do not overbake the cake to keep it moist for Jello absorption. Use a skewer for neat holes. Pour Jello slowly to avoid sogginess. Chill overnight for best texture. Soften cream cheese fully before mixing. If Jello sets too fast, warm gently in microwave to keep pourable.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, stars and stripes, summer dessert, patriotic cake, Jello cake, easy cake recipe, party dessert

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/flavorful-stars-and-stripes-poke-cake-recipe-perfect-for-summer-parties/