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Easy Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting for Holidays

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A quick and festive poke cake featuring moist cake soaked with berry gelatin and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for patriotic celebrations and last-minute desserts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white or yellow cake mix (e.g., Betty Crocker)
  • Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 small package (3 oz / 85 g) raspberry or strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia brand recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 cups (360–480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Red, white, and blue sprinkles or edible stars
  • Optional fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries) for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the cake batter by mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water according to the box instructions. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
  3. Pour batter into the baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  4. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  5. Cool the cake for about 15 minutes until warm but not hot.
  6. Dissolve the raspberry or strawberry gelatin powder in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup cold water and mix. Let cool until slightly thickened but still pourable.
  7. Use a wooden skewer or chopstick to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake.
  8. Slowly drizzle the cooled gelatin evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
  9. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the gelatin is set.
  10. Make the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  11. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the chilled cake.
  12. Decorate with red, white, and blue sprinkles or edible stars. Add fresh berries if desired.
  13. Slice and serve. Best eaten within 24 hours but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Notes

Do not skip chilling the cake after adding gelatin to set the filling and prevent leaking. Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth frosting. Poke holes about 1 inch apart to avoid sogginess or insufficient gelatin absorption. Watch baking time carefully to avoid drying the cake. Adding lemon zest to frosting brightens flavor. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, use appropriate substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, patriotic dessert, cream cheese frosting, berry gelatin, easy cake, holiday dessert, 4th of July cake, quick dessert

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-patriotic-poke-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-for-holidays/