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Festive Star-Spangled Poke Cake

star-spangled poke cake - featured image
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A quick and easy patriotic dessert featuring a moist white cake infused with strawberry gelatin and topped with Cool Whip and fresh berries, perfect for summer celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
  • Ingredients required by the cake mix (usually water, oil, and eggs; check your box)
  • 1 small box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O brand works well)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip (thawed, regular or light)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Red, white, and blue sprinkles or edible stars (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the white cake mix box, combining the mix with water, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour the batter evenly into the greased pan and tap gently to release air bubbles.
  4. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes until warm but not hot.
  6. Use a wooden skewer or spoon handle to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake surface.
  7. Dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and let cool for 5 minutes.
  8. Slowly pour the gelatin evenly over the cake, filling all the poked holes.
  9. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours until the gelatin is fully set.
  10. Spread the Cool Whip gently over the top of the cake with a spatula.
  11. Decorate with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and optional sprinkles or edible stars arranged in a star-spangled pattern.
  12. Chill the cake for another 30 minutes if desired before serving.

Notes

Do not overbake the cake to keep it moist for gelatin absorption. Use room temperature ingredients for fluffier cake. Cool gelatin before pouring to avoid melting the cake. Chill thoroughly for best texture. Fresh berries add best flavor and color but frozen or canned fruit can be substituted. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, use appropriate cake mix and whipped topping alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, festive dessert, Fourth of July, patriotic cake, strawberry gelatin, Cool Whip, summer dessert, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/festive-star-spangled-poke-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-with-cool-whip/