Dive into the deliciousness of a Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake! This red white and blue cake is the perfect dessert for summer holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Looking for a festive and patriotic cake to serve at your next summer gathering? Look no further than a red, white, and blue poke cake! This colorful cake is easy to make, with layers of vanilla cake, Jello, and topped with a whipped cream frosting. 

What is a red white & blue poke cake?

A Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake is a festive dessert typically made with a white cake base that’s poked with holes after baking. These holes are then filled with colorful layers of red and blue flavored gelatin, such as strawberry and blueberry, creating a vibrant and patriotic look. Once assembled, the cake is often topped with whipped cream and garnished with fresh berries to complete the red, white, and blue color scheme. 

This red, white and blue dessert is perfect for patriotic holidays like Fourth of July or Memorial Day, adding a sweet and visually striking touch to any celebration, making it sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

How to Make a Red White & Blue Poke Cake

In the printable recipe card below, you will find the full simple ingredients list, as well as recommended products that I receive a small commission from with affiliate links when you purchase. You can read my full disclosure policy for more information.

What you will need: 

For the Cake-

• White Cake Mix 
• Vegetable Oil, Eggs & Cold Water to bake cake according to directions
• 3 oz. Box Blue Jell-o
• 3 oz. Box Red Jello
• ¾ Cup of Water for each color of Jello

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz. Cream Cheese (cold)
• 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 2 Cups Heavy Cream (cold)
• 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
• Red White & Blue Sprinkles

Directions

In a large bowl, combine cake mix and pour the cake batter into a 13×9 cake pan.

Bake jello poke cake according to package directions and allow to cool completely.

With a drinking straw, handle of a wooden spoon or wooden skewer, poke even rows of holes across the entire cake. I did 12 rows of 15.

Be sure not to completely poke through the cake. The bottom layer of the cake will hold in your liquid. If you poke all the way through, your liquid will end up pooling at the bottom.

Dissolve the blue gelatin in ¾ cup of boiling water in a small bowl. Repeat with the red gelatin.

Use separate bowls for the red and blue jello so that you don’t end up with purple.  

Pour jello into the holes, alternating colors in every other row. To pour your jello, use a dropper or syringe to be more precise. A measuring cup or squeeze bottle work well too.

Cover the cake with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge overnight or for at least 8-10 hours to let the cake cool.

How to Make the Whipped Topping for your 4th of July Poke Cake Recipe

This frosting is like a thick and sturdy whipped cream and is the best part. It is light and creamy like whipped cream but will hold up on a frosted cake in the fridge for a few days.

Like whipped cream it need to be made with cold ingredients and works best if the bowl it is being made in is cold too. You can place the mixing bowl in the freezer for about 15-30 minutes before making the icing.

In the chilled bowl cream together cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until well mixed and light and fluffy. With a hand mixer on medium speed, slowly pour in the whipping cream and mix until well incorporated and smooth.

Turn the mixer to high and whip until stiff peaks form.

Spread evenly across the top of the cake or pipe it on with an icing bag. Sprinkle with festive sprinkles. Or for a different topping for this easy poke cake, make an American flag on top of your cake out of fresh strawberries and fresh berries.

If you find yourself in a pinch, the old standby of Cool Whip, or a whipped topping will do just fine.

How To Serve a Red White and Blue Jello Cake

If you’re serving a red, white, and blue patriotic poke cake at a 4th of July BBQ or summer party, here are some suggestions for presentation: 

• Decorate the cake with fresh berries in red white and blue flavors, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, arranged in a patriotic pattern on top.
• Serve the cake on a platter or cake stand that’s decorated with red, white, and blue ribbons or streamers.
• Serve the cake on a festive dessert table alongside fruit salads, ice cream, s’mores or a sheet cake in patriotic colors. 

Try These Recipes: 

• Red White and Blue Recipes 
• Dessert Recipes for Summer Parties 
• 4th of July Cake Recipe 
• Easy Dessert Recipes Using Cake Mixes 

FAQs

Do you need to refrigerate a poke cake?

Yes, do you. Keep your poke cake covered and refrigerated until ready to serve. Since we are using a cream cheese whipped cream, your cake will need to stay refrigerated for 2-3 days.

What is the best way to poke holes in a poke cake?

If this is your first poke cake, the best way to poke holes in a poke cake is to use the rounded end of a wooden spoon or the handle of a utensil. Make sure the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm to the touch, as this will allow the holes to form easily without breaking the cake apart. Press the handle or spoon firmly into the cake, creating evenly spaced holes throughout the surface. Be sure to poke all the way to the bottom of the cake to allow the filling to seep in and flavor every bite. Avoid overcrowding the holes to prevent the cake from becoming soggy, and space them out evenly to ensure even distribution of the filling.

Why is my poke cake soggy?

If your poke cake is soggy, it’s likely due to overfilling the holes with liquid filling, adding filling to a warm cake, or using a thin cake that can’t withstand the moisture. Ensure you allow the cake to cool completely before adding the filling, use the recommended amount of filling, and refrigerate the cake for enough time to set properly. Proper storage in airtight containers or wrapping with plastic wrap can also prevent sogginess.

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