Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Appearance: The red, white, and blue layers make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any celebration.
Moist and Flavorful: The cake absorbs the fruity gelatin, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert.
Easy to Prepare: Using a boxed cake mix and gelatin simplifies the preparation process without compromising taste.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different gelatin flavors to suit your preferences or to match different holidays.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box vanilla cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Gelatin Layers:

1 box strawberry gelatin (3 oz)
1 box blueberry gelatin (3 oz)
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water

For the Topping:

1 tub whipped topping (8 oz), thawed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, softened butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until well combined, following the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake according to the package instructions, usually about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.
Prepare the Gelatin Layers:
- In two separate bowls, dissolve each box of gelatin in 1/2 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of cold water into each gelatin mixture.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar utensil to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin over half of the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
- Repeat with the blueberry gelatin over the other half of the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours, or until the gelatin has set.
Add the Topping:
- Once the gelatin has set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire surface of the cake.
- Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 30 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12-15 servings.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chilling Time: At least 3.5 hours (including topping)

Variations

Gelatin Flavors: Experiment with different flavors like raspberry, cherry, or lime to create unique color combinations.
Fruit Add-ins: Top the whipped topping with fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for added freshness and flavor.
Cake Mix: Use a lemon or strawberry cake mix for a different base flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This cake is best served chilled and does not require reheating.

FAQs

How do I prevent the gelatin from seeping through the cake?

To minimize gelatin seepage, ensure the cake has cooled completely before adding the gelatin. Also, pour the gelatin slowly and allow it to absorb before adding more.

Can I use sugar-free gelatin for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute sugar-free gelatin. The texture and taste may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake after adding the gelatin?

Yes, refrigeration is essential to allow the gelatin to set properly, ensuring the cake holds its shape and the flavors meld.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

While homemade whipped cream can be used, whipped topping provides a stable and consistent texture that holds up well on the cake.

How do I know when the gelatin has set?

The gelatin will firm up and hold its shape when touched lightly. It typically takes about 3 hours to set, but chilling overnight is best.

Red White & Blue Swirl Cupcakes

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Celebrate in style with this Red, White, and Blue Jello Poke Cake! A vibrant dessert perfect for patriotic holidays like Memorial Day and the 4th of July, featuring moist vanilla cake soaked with strawberry and blueberry gelatin. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, it’s a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is colorful.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake according to package instructions (about 25-30 minutes). Cool completely.
Prepare the Gelatin Layers:
Dissolve each gelatin in 1/2 cup boiling water. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water into each gelatin mixture.
Assemble the Cake:
Once cooled, poke holes in the cake using a wooden spoon handle. Pour the strawberry gelatin over one half and blueberry gelatin over the other half. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Add the Topping:
Spread whipped topping over the entire cake. Chill for another 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding gelatin to prevent seepage.

Use sugar-free gelatin if desired for a lighter option.

The cake can be made the day before and stored in the fridge.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American