Patriotic Jello Poke Cake

4.46 from 22 votes

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!

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Inactive Time4

Total Time4 45

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Jamie Sherman

Equipment

Patriotic Sprinkles - Red, White, Blue Sprinkles - 4th of July - 2.2 LB
8 oz Patriotic Sprinkles
measuring cups and spoons
Silicone Pot Holder Trivet Mats - Hot Pads Spoon Rest, Multipurpose Trivet for Hot Dishers Heat Resistant Food Grade Silicone Set of 4
rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Maple Wooden Set Spoon, Multisize, Natural
baking dish
Non-Stick 13 x 9-Inch Covered Oblong Baking Pan with Lids, Pack of 2
hand mixer
whisk
mixing bowl

Ingredients

For the cake

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

For the filling:

1 ½ cups boiling water divided
1 package red jello (any flavor) 3 oz.
1 package blue jello (any flavor) 3 oz.
1 cup cold water divided

For the topping

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

Instructions

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.
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.
After the jello is set, top the cake with whipped topping. Top with sprinkles or fruit, if desired.
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.

Nutrition