Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe

Patriotic Poke Cake is a perfect dessert to celebrate national holidays like the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any occasion where a touch of red, white, and blue adds to the festive spirit. This vibrant cake is not only visually appealing but also a delightful treat that combines moist cake with flavorful fillings. The beauty of a poke cake lies in its simplicity and the burst of flavors in every bite. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delicious masterpiece!

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Ingredients

Cake

• 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
• Red and blue food coloring

Filling

• 1 box (3 oz) red Jell-O (strawberry or cherry)
• 1 box (3 oz) blue Jell-O (blue raspberry)
• 2 cups boiling water, divided

Topping

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar)
• Fresh strawberries and blueberries for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the Cake Mix: Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the white cake mix. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
3. Bake: Bake according to the package instructions, usually 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Jell-O

4. Boil Water: Boil 1 cup of water for each Jell-O flavor.
5. Dissolve Jell-O: In separate bowls, dissolve the red Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water and the blue Jell-O in another cup of boiling water. Stir each until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

6. Poke Holes: Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the cake. The holes should be about 1 inch apart.

Step 4: Pour the Jell-O

7. Add Red Jell-O: Carefully pour the red Jell-O mixture over half of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
8. Add Blue Jell-O: Pour the blue Jell-O mixture over the other half of the cake. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to allow the Jell-O to set.

Step 5: Add the Topping

9. Apply Whipped Topping: Once the Jell-O has set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire cake.
10. Garnish: Decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberries and blueberries to enhance the patriotic theme.

Cooking Note

• Ensure the cake is completely cool before poking holes and adding the Jell-O. This prevents the cake from crumbling.
• Refrigerating the cake for several hours is crucial for the Jell-O to set properly and infuse the cake with its flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled.
• Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Serve as a centerpiece dessert at your 4th of July BBQ, Memorial Day picnic, or any patriotic celebration.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, you can use vanilla pudding instead of Jell-O.
• If you prefer a homemade cake, feel free to bake your favorite white cake recipe from scratch.
• For added texture, sprinkle some crushed cookies or nuts over the whipped topping.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 190mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used.)

Conclusion

The Patriotic Poke Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a delightful celebration of colors and flavors. With its easy preparation and stunning presentation, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a festive treat with family and friends, this recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity and festivity. Enjoy making and savoring this patriotic delight!

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