Red White and Blue Poke Cake
This festive Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake features a moist white cake infused with vibrant strawberry and berry blue gelatin. It's topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese frosting and adorned with fresh strawberries and blueberries, creating a visually appealing and delicious dessert perfect for patriotic celebrations.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch Baking Pan
- 2 Large Mixing Bowls For gelatin and frosting
- 1 Electric Mixer Hand or stand mixer for cake batter and frosting
- 1 Whisk For dissolving gelatin
- 1 Wooden spoon handle or fork For poking holes
Ingredients
Main
- 1 18.25 ounce package white cake mix prepared to package instructions
- 1 package 3oz package strawberry gelatin
- 1 package 3oz package berry blue gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water for gelatin
- 2 8 oz packages cream cheese
- 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
- 1 quart strawberries chopped
- 2 cups blueberries
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the white cake mix in a 9x13 inch baking pan according to package directions. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once the cake is fully cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or the tines of a large fork to poke holes evenly over the entire surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- In two separate bowls, prepare the strawberry gelatin and berry blue gelatin by dissolving each package in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir each until the gelatin powder is completely dissolved.
- Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin into alternating holes and sections of the cake. Repeat with the berry blue gelatin, filling the remaining holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the gelatin to set firmly and fully soak into the cake.
- To prepare the frosting, in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy, using an electric mixer.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping with the cream cheese mixture until it is well combined and fluffy.
- Once the gelatin is set, spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the chilled cake.
- Arrange the chopped fresh strawberries and whole blueberries decoratively over the frosting.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least another hour before slicing and serving to ensure the frosting is firm and the cake is thoroughly chilled.
Notes
Ensure the cake is fully cooled before poking holes and pouring gelatin; otherwise, the cake can become soggy and fall apart. For vibrant colors, use high-quality gelatin and don't rush the setting process – chilling overnight is ideal. When making the cream cheese frosting, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free consistency. A touch of vanilla extract can enhance the frosting's flavor. For best presentation, arrange the fresh berries just before serving.