This 4th Of July Poke Cake is such a fun summer dessert! It's easy to make and the berries on top make it the perfect patriotic dessert!
The cake portion of this poke cake is made with a box cake to make it a little easier to pull together. Because of the jello in this cake, it does take some time to set in the fridge so you can actually make this cake the night before an event to save time the day-of.
Here are the basic steps for making the cake:
- Bake the cake as directed on the box and then poke holes all over it with the back of a wooden spoon! This is a great job for the kids! (Tip: wipe the back of the spoon with a paper towel in between each poke to keep the cake from tearing apart).
- Make the jello mixture and pour it over the cake. Then let the cake chill in the fridge so the jello can set. This is a great recipe to get out of the way the night before you're planning to enjoy it. Since the jello has to set, you can let the cake sit for at least 3 hours in the fridge or over night.
- Make the cool-whip/pudding frosting and decorate the cake with the berries!
4th Of July Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus water, oil, and eggs to make the cake)
- 1 box strawberry flavored jello (3 ounce box)
- 1.5 cups water (divided)
- 1 box cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix (3.4 ounce box)
- 8 ounces cool whip
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 cups fresh sliced strawberries
- ½ cup blueberries
Instructions
- Make the cake as directed on the box. (In a 9x13 pan) then let the cake completely cool.
- Once the cake is cooled, take the back of a wooden spoon, or the large end of a chopstick, and poke holes all over the cake. Space the holes about 1 inch apart from each other.
- In a small bowl, add the strawberry jello and 1 cup of boiling water. Stir for about 1 minute until it's dissolved. (Tip: You can just microwave 1 cup of water for 2 minutes and it should be boiling then you can add in the jello.)
- Once dissolved, add ½ cup of cold water to the jello and stir. Pour over the cooled cake.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. You don't want to cut into the cake before the jello sets or it will be mush.
- After the 3 hours, combine the pudding mix and the milk and whisk until slightly thickened (about 2 minutes). Then add in the cool whip and fold together.
- Spread the cool whip / pudding mixture over the cake evenly and decorate with the sliced strawberries and blueberries.
Notes
This cake takes at least 3 hours to set in the refrigerator so it is best make ahead of time or the night before you're planning to enjoy it!
Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment!
Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker.
Erica Schwarz says
I LOVE this! I've never made a "poke cake", but these festive patriotic colors make this a sure hit for 4th of July. Definitely a must try!
Coco and Ash says
Thanks so much Erica!
Tisha says
This will be perfect for the holiday get together I'm going to!! Can't wait to try it out!
Soniya says
Such a fun looking cake!! My boys love baking with me and I know they will definitely love doing this !! Saving it for later 🙂
Tilly says
So easy and so tasty!
Jessica Levinson says
This looks so festive and delicious! Perfect dessert for the 4th of July!
Coco and Ash says
Thanks Jessica!
Brenda says
It came out delicious looking! Can't wait to enjoy it tomorrow on the 4th