Patriotic Poke Cake – Red, White & Blue 4th of July Dessert

Patriotic Poke Cake is a festive and fun red, white, and blue dessert perfect for the 4th of July or any summer celebration. This colorful treat starts with a white cake base that’s poked and filled with vibrant red and blue gelatin, then topped with a fluffy whipped topping and patriotic sprinkles. It’s easy, eye-catching, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this cake is to make, yet it always steals the spotlight at parties. It’s light, sweet, and chilled — ideal for hot summer days. The red and blue colors swirl through the white cake in a playful surprise with every slice. Since I use boxed cake mix and gelatin, it comes together quickly, but still looks like I spent hours on it. It’s also a great dessert to make ahead and store in the fridge until it’s time to celebrate.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• White cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)

• Red gelatin (like strawberry or cherry flavor)

• Blue gelatin (like berry blue)

• Boiling water

• Cold water

• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

• Patriotic sprinkles or decorations

Directions

1. I bake the white cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to the package instructions, then let it cool slightly.

2. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, I poke holes all over the cake — about an inch apart.

3. I prepare the red and blue gelatin separately using boiling water and a bit less cold water than the box calls for, to keep the colors vivid.

4. I carefully spoon the red gelatin over one half of the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Then I do the same with the blue gelatin on the other half.

5. I refrigerate the cake for at least 2 to 3 hours so the gelatin can set.

6. Once it’s chilled, I spread the whipped topping evenly over the top.

7. Finally, I add patriotic sprinkles before serving for that festive finishing touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 12 to 15 people, depending on slice size. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake, and at least 2 hours to chill. I usually make it the night before so it’s ready to serve cold the next day.

Variations

When I want to change things up, I’ve used vanilla pudding or cream cheese frosting instead of whipped topping. Sometimes I layer sliced strawberries and blueberries on top for a fruitier version. For individual servings, I’ve made this in cupcake tins or small mason jars.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Since it’s served cold, there’s no need to reheat. The whipped topping stays fluffy, and the cake gets even more flavorful after sitting a day or two.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?

Yes, I’ve used a homemade white cake recipe before and it works just as well. Just make sure it’s light in color to keep the red and blue colors vibrant.

Do I need to use both red and blue gelatin?

I like using both for the full patriotic effect, but I’ve made it with just one color when I ran out. It still tastes great and looks fun.

Can I freeze poke cake?

I don’t recommend freezing this cake because the gelatin and whipped topping can change texture when thawed.

What kind of whipped topping should I use?

I usually go with a standard non-dairy whipped topping like Cool Whip, but I’ve also made my own whipped cream for a richer topping.

How far in advance can I make this?

I often make it a day in advance so it has plenty of time to chill. It actually tastes better the next day once the gelatin fully sets.

Conclusion

Patriotic Poke Cake is a festive, fun, and refreshing dessert that always brings some extra sparkle to my 4th of July celebrations. It’s easy to make, full of color, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. I love serving this cool and creamy treat when the fireworks start and summer is in full swing.