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Perfect Red White and Blue Jello Poke Cake

red white and blue jello poke cake - featured image

A quick, colorful, and festive poke cake featuring layers of red and blue jello soaked into a moist vanilla cake, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. Perfect for patriotic celebrations and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) vanilla cake mix (Duncan Hines or Pillsbury preferred)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 package (3 oz / 85 g) red jello (strawberry or cherry flavor)
  • 1 package (3 oz / 85 g) blue jello (blueberry or blue raspberry flavor)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) boiling water, divided
  • 1 can (14 oz / 395 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tub (8 oz / 227 g) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
  • Fresh blueberries and strawberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter and flour.
  2. In a large bowl, combine vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and level the surface.
  4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick at 30 minutes; it should come out clean.
  5. Let the cake cool completely, about 30 minutes.
  6. Poke holes all over the cake about 1/2 inch apart using a fork or wooden skewer, reaching the bottom.
  7. Dissolve red jello in 1 cup boiling water, stir for 2 minutes, and let cool slightly but not set.
  8. Pour red jello evenly over half the cake, covering all holes. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to partially set.
  9. Dissolve blue jello in 1 cup boiling water, stir, and let cool slightly.
  10. Pour blue jello over the other half of the cake. Chill for at least 30 minutes to fully set.
  11. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire cake to soak into the holes.
  12. Spread whipped topping over the cake in a smooth layer.
  13. Garnish with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries if desired.
  14. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and jello to set.

Notes

Let the cake cool completely before poking holes and pouring jello to prevent melting. Chill jello until just warm before pouring to avoid melting the cake or whipped topping. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute cake mix and dairy ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, jello poke cake, red white and blue dessert, patriotic cake, easy dessert, summer dessert, 4th of July dessert