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An easy 4th of July poke cake recipe made with jello and topped with cool whip and an American flag made of fresh strawberries and blueberries.
If you are looking for festive and patriotic 4th of July desserts this red, white, and blue jello poke cake recipe is for you.
All you need for this easy flag cake recipe is a box of white cake mix, eggs, oil, red and blue jello mix, Cool Whip, and water.
The light and fluffy flag cake is poked, filled with jello, and topped with cool whip and fresh fruit, like my strawberry poke cake.
Served chilled, this flag jello poke cake makes a perfect summer dessert for not only the 4th of July but Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Labor Day as well.
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- White cake mix— plus water, eggs, and oil as called for on the box. I used Pillsbury but any white cake mix will work.
- Cherry Jello mix— or strawberry Jello
- Berry blue Jello mix— or blue raspberry
- Water— you will need both boiling water and cold water to prepare the jello mix before pouring it onto the cake.
- Cool Whip— thawed in the fridge overnight. You can substitute with homemade whipped cream if you prefer but keep in mind that it doesn’t keep as well as Cool Whip does so you should wait to add it until you are ready to serve.
- Fruit— fresh blueberries and fresh, sliced strawberries for creating the American flag on top
How to Make 4th of July Cake with Jello
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1: Prepare the cake mix in a 9×13 pan as directed on the package. Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven.
Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the jello mixes by combining each with 1 cup of boiling water, whisking until dissolved, then whisking in ½ cup cold water. Using the end of a wooden spoon or a large straw, poke holes throughout the cake. Spoon the jello in the holes, alternating between blue and red jello.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to allow the jello to set.
Step 4: Spread the whipped topping evenly on top cake and arrange the berries in a flag pattern as shown.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Storage
Cover and refrigerate leftover 4th of july poke cake for up to 3 days.
Tips and Tricks
- If you have a food syringe it makes filling holes with jello super neat and easy. Otherwise, a spoon works just fine.
- Try adding red, white, and blue sprinkles to the cake mix for a funfetti look.
- Rather skip the fruit? You can top the cake with red, white, and blue sprinkle instead (but it won’t be a flag cake).
- Switch up the jello flavors and colors for different holidays and events, like we did for this red and green Christmas poke cake.
Flag Poke Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this poke cake ahead of time for my party?
This cake is perfect for making ahead because it actually tastes better the next day after the jello has more time to infuse the cake with flavor. Prepare the cake the day before you plan on serving it and let it chill overnight. Then add the whipped topping and fruit just before serving.
What is the best way to poke holes in a poke cake?
I have found that the handle of a wooden spoon is usually the perfect size for poking holes in a poke cake. If you don’t have one no worries, you can use a chopstick, large fork, or straw instead.
How many holes do you poke in a poke cake?
Typically I have found 40-55 holes to be the perfect amount for poke cakes. However, if you are using a fork or something else that creates small holes you will like need more.
More 4th of July Dessert Ideas
- Patriotic berry trifle – an easy no-bake dessert perfect for a crowd
- 4th of July jello cups – another tasty option for enjoying jello on the fourth
- Firecracker cupcakes – vanilla cupcakes topped with “fireworks” made out of candy
Recipe
Recipe
4.63 from 8 votes
4th of July Poke Cake
Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 20 minutes mins
Cook: 30 minutes mins
Chill Time 3 hours hrs
Total: 3 hours hrs 50 minutes mins
An easy 4th of July poke cake recipe made with jello and topped with cool whip and a red, white, and blue flag with fresh berries.
Ingredients
- 1 box 15 or 16 ounces white cake mix
- water oil and eggs as called for on cake mix box
- 1 3 ounce box cherry Jello mix
- 1 3 ounce box berry blue Jello mix
- 2 cups boiling water divided
- 1 cup cold water divided
- 1 8 ounce Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
Prepare the cake mix in a 9×13 pan as directed on the package. Bake then allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven.
Meanwhile, prepare the jello by combining cherry jello mix with 1 cup of boiling water and whisking until completely dissolved. Whisk in ½ cup cold water and set aside.
Repeat the process to prepare the blue jello and set aside.
Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes throughout the top of the cake.
Spoon the jello in the holes, alternating between blue and red jello.
Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to allow the jello to set.
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
Arrange the blueberries and sliced strawberries in a flag pattern on top of the cake.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Don't have a wooden spoon handle? You can use a large fork, chopstick, or straw for poking holes in the top of the cake instead.
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 267kcal
Did You Make This Recipe?
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