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    Home » Recipes

    Patriotic Poke Cake

    Published: Jul 2, 2016 · Modified: Mar 11, 2024 by Alison · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe

    This 4th of July Poke cake recipe is perfect for your 4th of July party or BBQ. Using a box cake mix makes this super easy to bake! Make sure to check out our other 4th of July recipes!

    fourth of july poke cake

    Red, white and blue desserts are always a hit for patriotic holidays. This poke cake is no exception! The combination of moist cake, Jello, whipped topping and fresh berries is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

    red white and blue jello cake

    A flag cake truly shows your love for America and can even be made ahead of time.

    For more patriotic cakes, check out our red, white and blue lush or Twizzler sparkler cake!

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Flag Cake Recipe
    • 4th of July Poke Cake Ingredients
    • How to Make July 4th Poke Cake
    • Helpful Tips and Variations
    • How to Store
    • FAQs
    • Recipe
    blueberries and strawberries flag cake

    Why You’ll Love This Flag Cake Recipe

    • Great for holidays: Perfect for any patriotic holiday, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Independence Day.
    • Light and fluffy texture: The addition of moist cake, Jello and whipped cream gives this cake a light and airy texture, also great for summer.
    • America’s colors: The red, white, and blue colors make it the perfect treat to celebrate America’s birthday in style.
    • Simple: Incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
    • Versatile: Easy to customize by using different flavored gelatin or topping it with sprinkles, etc.
    ingredients for 4th of July poke cake

    4th of July Poke Cake Ingredients

    • Box cake mix: Plus ingredients on box water, oil, and eggs, etc. I used a white cake mix, but you can also use a yellow cake mix.
    • Strawberry and Berry Blue gelatin: I used Jell-O brand, but any brand will work. You can also use other flavors such as cherry or raspberry.
    • Cool Whip: You can also use store brand or homemade whipped cream if preferred.
    • Strawberries and Blueberries for garnish: I used fresh strawberries and blueberries to make the American flag, but you can also use other fruits such as raspberries or blackberries.

    How to Make July 4th Poke Cake

    Prepare and bake the white cake according to the package instructions.

    holes poke in white cake

    Once baked and cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.

    jello filled cake

    Mix each Jello flavor separately according to the box directions. Using a syringe, squirt the gelatin into the holes alternating colors. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours to set.

    After chilling, top cake with whipped cream and arrange fresh berries in a flag before serving this festive treat!

    inside of 4th of July poke cake

    Helpful Tips and Variations

    • A wooden spoon handle, straw or chopstick works great to poke holes without tearing the cake. Be sure to not poke all the way through so the Jello does not seep out.
    • Using a syringe makes it easy to fill the holes in the cake with gelatin. If you don’t have one you can spoon it over.
    • Make sure to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours or overnight to allow the Jello to set.
    • Make into cupcakes or two round cakes instead of a 9X13 cake.
    • Skip the fruit topping and garnish with red, white and blue sprinkles instead.
    • Change up the Jello flavors and toppings for different occasions.
    flag cake with berries

    How to Store

    Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    FAQs

    Can I make this poke cake ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the poke cake a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

    Can I use different flavors of Jello for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavored gelatin mixes to create unique variations of this patriotic poke cake.

    July 4th jello poke cake

    Recipe

    4th of July Poke Cake

    Alison McFadden
    This 4th of July Poke cake recipe is perfect for your 4th of July party or BBQ. Using a box cake mix makes this super easy to bake!
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    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Chill Time 4 hours hrs
    Course Desserts
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 (15 oz.) box white cake mix plus ingredients on box; water, oil, and eggs, etc.
    • 1 (3 oz.) package strawberry Jello
    • 1 (3 oz.) package berry blue Jello
    • 1 tub Cool Whip, thawed
    • 1 pint strawberries, sliced
    • 1 cup blueberries

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare and bake the white cake according to the package instructions.
    • Once baked and cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
    • Mix each Jello flavor separately according to the box directions. Using a syringe, squirt the gelatin into the holes alternating colors. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours to set.
    • After chilling, top cake with whipped cream and arrange fresh berries in a flag before serving this festive treat!

    Nutrition Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

    Tried this recipe?Tag @everydayshortcuts or use #everydayshortcuts on Facebook, TikTok or Instagram to let us know!

    More Recipes

    • Strawberry Pretzel Fluff
    • American Flag Charcuterie Board
    • Patriotic Italian Pasta Salad
    • Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes
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    Alison is a wife and mother of three who embraces the simple life, finding joy in easy recipes, DIY projects, life hacks, and her passion for travel. Learn more about me!

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    Alison McFadden

    Welcome to Everyday Shortcuts, where I share delicious and simple recipes that anyone can cook, practical household tips and clever shortcuts to help simplify your everyday life. 

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