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Perfect Red White and Blue Poke Cake with Cool Whip

red white and blue poke cake - featured image

A quick and easy patriotic poke cake featuring red and blue gelatin pockets inside a fluffy white cake, topped with light and creamy Cool Whip. Perfect for summer parties and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin mix
  • 1 (3-ounce) package blueberry gelatin mix
  • 2 cups boiling water (divided)
  • 1 (16-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides once for even mixing.
  3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
  4. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes until warm but not hot.
  5. While the cake cools, dissolve each gelatin mix separately in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved and let cool until just warm but not set.
  6. Using a toothpick or wooden skewer, poke holes evenly all over the cake about every inch, avoiding the edges to keep the cake intact.
  7. Slowly pour the strawberry gelatin over half the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Then pour the blueberry gelatin over the other half.
  8. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set fully and flavors to meld.
  9. Once chilled, spread the Cool Whip evenly over the cake using a spatula, being gentle to keep it fluffy and smooth.
  10. Optionally, garnish with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries. Return to the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

Do not pour boiling hot gelatin directly onto the cake; let it cool slightly to avoid sogginess. Use a wooden skewer for neat holes. Chill the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. For dairy-free, use coconut-based whipped topping. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cake mix and sugar-free gelatin.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, red white and blue cake, summer dessert, patriotic dessert, Cool Whip cake, easy poke cake, gelatin poke cake, Fourth of July dessert