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Festive Firecracker Red White and Blue Layered Jello Poke Cake

Festive Firecracker Red White and Blue Layered Jello Poke Cake - featured image
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A vibrant and refreshing layered poke cake featuring red and blue Jello layers, creamy vanilla pudding, and whipped cream topping, perfect for 4th of July celebrations and summer parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (e.g., Betty Crocker)
  • Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually 3 large eggs, 1/3 cup oil, 1 cup water)
  • 1 box (3 oz) strawberry or cherry flavored Jello (red layer)
  • 1 box (3 oz) blueberry or mixed berry flavored Jello (blue layer)
  • 1 cup boiling water for each Jello box
  • 1 cup cold water for each Jello box
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (e.g., Jell-O brand)
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping (dairy-free optional)
  • Optional garnishes: fresh strawberries, blueberries, red and blue sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare white cake batter according to box instructions (usually 3 large eggs, 1/3 cup oil, 1 cup water). Pour batter evenly into pan.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cake cool completely (about 1 hour).
  4. Dissolve each 3 oz Jello box in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup cold water to each. Let cool to room temperature but do not refrigerate.
  5. Poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cooled cake using a fork or wooden spoon handle.
  6. Pour red Jello evenly over one half of the cake, blue Jello over the other half. Refrigerate for 1 hour to let Jello set lightly.
  7. Whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Spread pudding evenly over chilled cake.
  8. Return cake to fridge for 30 minutes to let pudding firm up.
  9. Spread 2 cups whipped cream evenly over pudding layer. Smooth with spatula or knife.
  10. Optionally, garnish with fresh berries or red and blue sprinkles.
  11. Chill entire cake for at least 2 hours before serving to meld flavors and set layers.

Notes

Let the cake cool completely before poking holes to prevent sogginess. Cool Jello before pouring to avoid melting the cake. Chill between layers for clean, distinct colors. Use a serrated knife for clean slicing. If Jello sets before pouring, gently warm it to make it pourable again. Cake can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored refrigerated. For dairy-free or vegan versions, use appropriate pudding and whipped topping substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: 4th of July dessert, poke cake, layered Jello cake, patriotic dessert, summer cake, easy dessert, festive cake

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/festive-firecracker-red-white-and-blue-layered-jello-poke-cake-recipe-for-perfect-4th-of-july-dessert/