Description
A festive and easy poke cake featuring red and blue gelatin explosions inside a moist white cake, perfect for July 4th and other celebrations. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a creamy pudding filling and whipped topping for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g), e.g., Betty Crocker
- Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 (14 oz / 396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (3.4 oz / 96 g) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk (240 ml)
- 1 package red gelatin (e.g., strawberry or cherry), dissolved in 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
- 1 package blue gelatin (e.g., blueberry or blue raspberry), dissolved in 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
- 2 cups whipped topping (about 480 ml), thawed
- Optional: fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the cake batter by following the instructions on the cake mix box, combining the mix, eggs, oil, and water in a large bowl. Beat for about 2 minutes on medium speed until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean. Remove the cake and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Using a fork or skewer, poke holes about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart all over the cake, being careful not to break the surface excessively.
- Dissolve each gelatin packet separately in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Let cool for about 5 minutes but not set.
- Alternately drizzle red and blue gelatin over the cake holes, filling them evenly. Pour slowly to allow the gelatin to soak in.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 1 cup cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Gently spoon the pudding mixture evenly over the gelatin-soaked cake, being careful not to break the cake surface.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or until the gelatin and pudding set completely.
- Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Garnish with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries if desired.
Notes
Do not pour gelatin while the cake is warm to prevent melting and bleeding colors. Poke holes evenly spaced about 1 inch apart for best results. Chill the cake thoroughly to set gelatin and pudding layers. Garnish with fresh fruit for balance and visual appeal. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cake mix and check pudding mix allergens. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cake mix, pudding, and whipped topping alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cak
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Protein: 4
Keywords: poke cake, 4th of July dessert, patriotic cake, gelatin poke cake, easy celebration dessert, red white and blue cake, summer party dessert