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Perfect Stars and Stripes Poke Cake Recipe for Easy Patriotic Desserts

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A festive and easy poke cake featuring red, white, and blue gelatin layers soaked into a light white cake, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. Perfect for patriotic celebrations like the Fourth of July.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 white cake mix (about 15.25 oz or 432 g), preferably Duncan Hines
  • Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually water, vegetable oil, and eggs)
  • 1 box (3 oz / 85 g) strawberry Jell-O
  • 1 box (3 oz / 85 g) blueberry Jell-O (or substitute with grape or black cherry gelatin)
  • Boiling water (for dissolving gelatin)
  • Cold water or ice cubes (to cool gelatin slightly before pouring)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream or pre-made whipped topping
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) powdered sugar (optional)
  • Fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake batter according to the white cake mix box instructions, combining cake mix with water, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
  2. Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes in the pan until warm but not hot.
  5. Dissolve each gelatin box separately in 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved (about 2 minutes). Add 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water to each to cool slightly.
  6. Use a skewer or wooden spoon handle to poke holes about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart all over the cake, going almost to the bottom but not through the pan.
  7. Pour the strawberry gelatin evenly over half the cake and the blueberry gelatin over the other half, allowing colors to seep into the holes without mixing.
  8. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set the gelatin.
  9. Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  10. Spread the whipped cream gently over the chilled cake.
  11. Decorate with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries arranged to mimic stars and stripes.
  12. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Let the cake cool before poking and pouring gelatin to avoid sogginess. Chill the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Use fresh, firm berries for garnish. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut whipped cream. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cake mix. Vegan adaptations include vegan cake mix and agar-agar instead of gelatin.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July, Jell-O cake, easy dessert, stars and stripes cake, red white and blue dessert

Find it online: https://islatable.com/perfect-stars-and-stripes-poke-cake-recipe-for-easy-patriotic-desserts/