Red, White, & Blue Poke Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Red, White, & Blue Poke Cake is a festive and colorful dessert perfect for celebrations and summer gatherings. It combines a moist white cake with vibrant red and blue jello, topped with fluffy whipped cream and sprinkles for a patriotic touch.

Ingredients
- 1 white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box; typically 1 cup water, ½ cup oil, 3 eggs)
- 1 3 oz package red jello
- 1 3 oz package blue jello
- 2 cups boiling water (divided)
- 1 cup cold water (divided)
- 1 8 oz tub whipped topping (thawed)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake your cake according to the package directions and let it cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake about ½ to ¾ of the cake’s depth, taking care not to poke all the way through.
- Step 3: In a small bowl or large measuring cup, dissolve the red jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Once dissolved, stir in ½ cup cold water.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, dissolve the blue jello in 1 cup of boiling water. After it dissolves, stir in ½ cup cold water.
- Step 5: Carefully pour the red and blue jello into alternating holes in the cake, avoiding mixing them to prevent the colors from blending.
- Step 6: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the jello to set.
- Step 7: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whipped topping and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Step 8: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a toothpick instead of a wooden spoon handle for smaller holes if you prefer a more delicate jello effect.
- Substitute homemade whipped cream for the whipped topping for a fresher taste.
- Try different jello flavors or colors for themed occasions beyond patriotic colors.
Storage
Store the poke cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. For best flavor and texture, consume within this time. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the jello and whipped topping may change.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Yes, you can bake a homemade white cake if you prefer. Just be sure it is fully cooled before poking holes and adding jello.
What if I accidentally mix the red and blue jello?
If the jellos mix, you may get a purple hue instead of distinct red and blue spots, but the flavor will still be delicious. Pour carefully to avoid this.
PrintRed, White, & Blue Poke Cake Recipe
This vibrant Red, White, & Blue Poke Cake is a festive dessert featuring a moist white cake with alternating red and blue jello-filled pockets. Topped with a sweet whipped topping and colorful sprinkles, it’s perfect for patriotic celebrations or anytime you want a fun, colorful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: 1 cup water, ½ cup oil, 3 eggs)
Jello Filling
- 1 (3 oz) package red jello
- 1 (3 oz) package blue jello
- 2 cups boiling water (divided)
- 1 cup cold water (divided)
Topping
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (thawed)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions using 1 cup water, ½ cup oil, and 3 eggs. Bake as directed and allow the cake to cool completely for at least 30 minutes.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: Use the rounded end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. The holes should be about ½ to ¾ the depth of the cake, ensuring you don’t go all the way through.
- Dissolve Red Jello: In a small bowl or large measuring cup, dissolve the red jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then mix in ½ cup of cold water.
- Dissolve Blue Jello: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, dissolve blue jello in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until dissolved. Add ½ cup cold water and stir.
- Fill the Holes with Jello: Carefully pour the red and blue jello into alternating holes in the cake to create a red, white, and blue pattern. Avoid mixing the colors to preserve vibrant pockets of jello.
- Refrigerate the Cake: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the jello to set firmly within the cake.
- Prepare Whipped Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the thawed whipped topping and powdered sugar until smooth and slightly firm.
- Top the Cake: Spread the sweetened whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake, then decorate with sprinkles for a festive finish.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before poking holes to avoid crumbling.
- Use the end of a wooden spoon or a similar tool for even-sized holes.
- Pour jello carefully to keep colors distinct and avoid blending.
- The cake can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours after assembling.
- For a lower sugar version, consider using sugar-free jello and whipped topping.
Keywords: Red White and Blue Poke Cake, patriotic cake, jello poke cake, festive dessert, holiday cake

