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Easy Dump Patriotic Jello Poke Cake Recipe for Festive Celebrations

Easy Dump Patriotic Jello Poke Cake - featured image

A quick and easy patriotic poke cake featuring vibrant red and blue Jello layers soaked into a moist yellow cake, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. Perfect for festive occasions like the Fourth of July.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
  • 1 cup water (240 ml)
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 small box red Jello gelatin (3 oz, strawberry or cherry flavor)
  • 1 small box blue Jello gelatin (3 oz, blueberry or berry blue flavor)
  • 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
  • 8 oz cool whip or whipped topping (226 g)
  • Fresh berries (optional: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes until warm but not hot.
  5. Dissolve each Jello packet separately in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved (about 2 minutes per box).
  6. Use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the surface of the cake about 1 inch apart, going deep but not through the bottom.
  7. Pour the red Jello evenly over half of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Pour the blue Jello over the other half.
  8. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is fully set.
  9. Spread 8 oz of whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Garnish with fresh berries arranged in a patriotic pattern if desired.
  10. Slice into squares and serve. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Let the cake cool until warm but not hot before pouring the gelatin to ensure it soaks properly. Poke holes evenly spaced about 1 inch apart but avoid poking through the pan. Chilling overnight is best for flavor melding. Use a thin poking tool like a skewer or chopstick for neat holes. For gluten-free or dairy-free options, substitute cake mix and whipped topping accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, patriotic dessert, jello poke cake, easy dessert, Fourth of July dessert, red white and blue cake, quick cake recipe