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Patriotic Jello Poke Cake

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Celebrate the 4th of July with a colorful and delicious Patriotic Jello Poke Cake. It’s easy to change up the colors for other holidays too!

patriotic jello poke cake slice on plate

Jello Poke Cake

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. As written, it’s great for the 4th of July, Memorial Day weekend, or Labor Day weekend. But you can easily change up the colors and make this same dessert for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, or for a mermaid party – or whatever you want!

I love sharing this recipe because it’s always a hit. Not to mention, it’s super easy to put together. It would be best if you accounted for some time for the cake to set up.

looking down onto a slice of cake

What is poke cake

Poke cake is a type of cake that is baked, then holes are poked into it. It is then filled with jello, pudding, or some other filling before being topped off with whipped topping, frosting, or other topping. Sometimes, they are garnished with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or other things.

How to make poke cake with jello

  1. Start by baking a cake according to package or recipe directions.
  2. With the end of a round-shaped wooden-handled spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
  3. Mix jello with water. Fill the holes with jello mixture.
  4. Allow the cake the set.
  5. Just before serving, top the cake with whipped topping or frosting. If desired, add sprinkles or fresh fruit.

Patriotic Jello Poke Cake FAQs

Can you freeze poke cake?

Yes, you can! Allow the cake to fully set up before transferring it to the freezer. You’ll want to be sure that it is wrapped well. To use, allow the cake to thaw overnight in the fridge. Add the whipped topping and sprinkles or fresh fruit right before serving.

Can you make poke cake the day before?

I actually encourage you too! Since these types of cakes need a little bit of time to set up, it’s best to plan on at least 8 hours to overnight for them to fully set.

How long is poke cake good for?

Properly refrigerated, this cake needs to be used within 5-7 days.

How to store poke cake?

This cake needs to be kept covered and stored in the refrigerator.

Recipe Tips

  • Want an easier way to fill the poked holes? Try filling the holes with a child’s medicine syringe!
  • Arrange strawberry slices and blueberries in a flag pattern for an extra fun and patriotic dessert.
  • If you prefer frosting over whipped topping, check out the notes section of the recipe card for a simple vanilla buttercream that can be tinted to any color.
filling holes with jello

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slice of patriotic jello poke cake on plate
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closeup jello poke cake on plate

Patriotic Jello Poke Cake

Yield: 18 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Inactive Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Celebrate the 4th of July with a colorful and delicious Patriotic Jello Poke Cake. It's easy to change up the colors for other holidays too!

Ingredients

For the cake

  • 1 box (15.25 oz.) white cake mix (also eggs, oil, and water called for on the box)

For the filling:

  • 1-1/2 cups boiling water, divided
  • 1 package (3 oz.) red jello (any flavor)
  • 1 package (3 oz.) blue jello (any flavor)
  • 1 cup of cold water, divided

For the topping

  • 1 tub (8 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • Patriotic colored sprinkles or fresh fruit

Instructions

  1. Prepare and bake the cake according to package directions, using a 13x9-inch cake pan. Let it cool completely. Using the handle of a wooden spoon pokes holes in the cake every 1/2-in to 1-in.
  2. Empty the red jello package into a medium-sized bowl and add 3/4 cup of boiling water. Stir briskly for 2 minutes or until the jello is dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water and stir. Using a spoon or ladle, carefully fill every other hole with the jello mixture before it cools and sets. Repeat the process with the blue jello, filling the empty holes with the second color. Place the cake in the refrigerator for 4 hours or until the jello is set.
  3. After the jello is set, top the cake with whipped topping. Top with sprinkles or fruit, if desired.
  4. Store in refrigerator.

Notes

  • Want an easier way to fill the poked holes? Try filling the holes with a child's medicine syringe!
  • Arrange strawberry slices and blueberries in a flag pattern for an extra fun and patriotic dessert.

If you prefer frosting over the whipped topping:

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3-3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk
  • food coloring, if desired

Cream butter and vanilla with an electric mixer. Add the powdered sugar and 3 tbsp. milk. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined and fluffy. Add food coloring and beat well. Add more food coloring if more color is desired. If necessary, add 1 tbsp. milk to the frosting if it needs to be thinned out.


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As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1 slice
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 126Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 225mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 1gSugar: 16gProtein: 1g

Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary greatly between brands. Always be sure to read labels.

Did you make this recipe?

Did you try this recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and tag @lovebakesgoodcakes on Instagram with the hashtag #lovebakesgoodcakes so I can see what you made!

© Jamie Sherman
Cuisine: American / Category: Dessert

Originally published on May 29, 2012. Updated on May 31, 2021.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Michelle Paige

    I've never made a poke cake before, but yours looks so festive and I bet it tastes wonderful! Thanks so much for linking up to my Red, White, Blue & You Party! –michelle

    Reply

  5. Kristi

    So fun & patriotic! So glad you linked up to the party. Featuring you today at the Patriotic Round-Up! {http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/05/patriotic-round-up-get-ready-for-summer.html#}

    Thanks bunches for stopping by & visiting!
    {HUGS},
    kristi

    Reply

  10. momto8blog

    greg great cake!! i tried to use red and blue jello to color vanilla icing..lets just say it didn't really work… we attend a 4th of July bash every yr and I never found a recipe I like….yours is it!!! thank you thank you!!
    I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

    Reply

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Love Bakes Good Cakes delivers delicious and simple family-friendly meals. Find everything from healthier recipes to over the top desserts!