Description
A festive and easy poke cake featuring vibrant red and blue Jello layers soaked into a soft vanilla cake, topped with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients as per box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 2 small boxes (3 oz each) red and blue flavored gelatin (strawberry and blueberry or cherry and blue raspberry)
- 4 cups boiling water (divided: 2 cups per box)
- 2 cups cold water (divided: 1 cup per box)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups mixed fresh berries (blueberries, sliced strawberries, raspberries)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake batter according to the cake mix box instructions, combining cake mix with eggs, oil, and water. Mix thoroughly but do not overbeat (about 10 minutes).
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely at room temperature (30–45 minutes).
- Using a wooden skewer or fork, poke holes all over the cake about 1 inch apart, going deep enough to reach the bottom without damaging the pan.
- Dissolve one box of Jello powder in 2 cups boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup cold water and mix. Repeat with the second box in a separate bowl.
- Carefully pour half of the red Jello mixture evenly over one half of the cake, then pour the blue Jello mixture over the other half. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- Beat the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the set Jello cake. Arrange fresh berries on top in a festive pattern.
- Return the cake to the fridge for another 30 minutes to let the whipped cream firm up slightly. Slice and serve.
Notes
Ensure holes are deep and evenly spaced for best Jello infusion. Chill the cake overnight for best flavor and clean slicing. Whip cream to stiff peaks to avoid grainy texture. Fresh berries add texture and brightness; wash and dry gently to avoid sogginess. Glass pans allow for beautiful presentation of layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of c
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2.5
Keywords: poke cake, Jello poke cake, red white blue dessert, Fourth of July dessert, summer cake, fresh berries, easy dessert, festive cake