Name: Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 package white cake mix; 3 large eggs; 1.5 cups water; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 bottle blue gel food coloring; 1 bottle red gel food coloring; 2 cups condensed milk; 2 cups white chocolate chips; 1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla pudding mix; 2 cups milk; 16 ounces whipped topping or homemade whipped cream; 1 pound strawberries; 1 cup blueberries

Looking to celebrate with something sweet that’s bursting with flavor and color? This Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe is your answer! Perfect for Fourth of July gatherings, Memorial Day picnics, or any festive occasion, this cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. With its layers of fluffy white cake soaked in creamy goodness and topped with fresh berries, it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and get baking!

Reasons to Love Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe. First and foremost, it’s a showstopper! The vibrant red, white, and blue colors make it a festive centerpiece for any celebration. Additionally, the combination of sweetened condensed milk and vanilla pudding creates a moist, decadent cake that is irresistibly delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Lastly, the fresh strawberries and blueberries on top provide a refreshing contrast, making each bite a delightful experience.

Ingredient Rundown

To make this Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

1 package white cake mix – This serves as the base for our cake, creating a light and fluffy texture.
3 eggs – Eggs add moisture and stability to the cake.
1 1/2 cups water – Needed to prepare the cake mix.
1/3 cup vegetable oil – This keeps the cake moist and tender.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For a hint of sweetness and flavor.
Blue gel food coloring – This will give the cake its vibrant blue color.
Red gel food coloring – This will provide a bold red hue for our cake.
2 cups condensed milk – This will soak into the cake, making it rich and creamy.
2 cups white chocolate chips – These will melt into a luscious topping.
1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla pudding mix – For added creaminess and flavor.
2 cups milk – To prepare the pudding mix.
16 ounces whipped topping or homemade whipped cream – This lightens up the cake and adds a fluffy finish.
1 pound strawberries – Fresh and juicy, for the perfect topping.
1 cup blueberries – To add a pop of color and flavor.

Gear Up: What to Grab

Before you start baking, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:

9×13 inch baking pan – This is the perfect size for our poke cake.
Mixing bowls – You’ll need a few to combine ingredients.
Whisk – This will help mix the cake batter and pudding smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
Toothpick or skewer – To poke holes in the cake.
Spatula – For spreading the whipped topping evenly.

Make Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe: A Simple Method

Creating this delightful Patriotic Poke Cake is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Add Color

Divide the batter into two bowls. In one bowl, add a few drops of blue gel food coloring until you reach your desired shade of blue. In the second bowl, add red gel food coloring and mix until you achieve a bright red color.

Step 3: Layer the Batter

Pour half of the white batter into the greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Then, carefully add the blue batter on top, followed by the remaining white batter. Swirl the batters gently with a knife to create a marbled effect, but be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 5: Poke Holes

Once the cake is cool, use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the creamy mixture to soak in beautifully.

Step 6: Create the Filling

In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla pudding mix, and 2 cups of milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the poked cake, making sure it seeps into the holes for optimal flavor.

Step 7: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the cake, spreading it evenly.

Step 8: Add the Topping

Spread the whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream) evenly over the cake. This will create a fluffy layer on top that complements the rich flavors below.

Step 9: Decorate

Slice the strawberries and arrange them on one side of the cake. On the other side, sprinkle the blueberries for that patriotic look. You can create patterns or simply scatter the berries as you like.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cake to cool. Once chilled, slice and serve this stunning Patriotic Poke Cake to your friends and family. Enjoy!

Swap Guide

If you’re looking to make substitutions or adjustments, here are some ideas:

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular white cake mix.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative and use non-dairy whipped topping.
Fresh Fruit: If strawberries and blueberries aren’t available, feel free to use raspberries and blackberries instead for a similar effect.
Chocolate Chips: Swap white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Avoid These Traps

When making your Patriotic Poke Cake, keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls:

Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cake while it bakes to prevent it from drying out. A toothpick should come out clean but moist.
Too Much Food Coloring: A little goes a long way! Start with a small amount of gel food coloring and add more as needed.
Not Poking Enough Holes: Make sure to poke plenty of holes in the cake to ensure the filling seeps in properly.
Skipping the Chill: Don’t skip the chilling step! This allows the flavors to meld and makes the cake even more delicious.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This Patriotic Poke Cake can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy schedules. Here are some storage tips:

Make Ahead: You can bake and assemble the cake a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake may become a bit denser, but it will still be tasty!
Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before adding the toppings.

Common Qs About Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe

Can I use a different cake flavor for this recipe?

Absolutely! While white cake is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla, lemon, or even chocolate for a fun twist.

How do I make homemade whipped cream?

To make homemade whipped cream, simply whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

What if I can’t find gel food coloring?

If gel food coloring isn’t available, you can use liquid food coloring, but you may need to use more to achieve the same vibrant colors.

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen berries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture on your cake.

Hungry for More?

If you loved this Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe, you’re in for a treat! Check out other festive dessert ideas like our Red Velvet Cupcakes, Summer Berry Trifle, or Classic American Flag Fruit Tart. There’s always something sweet to celebrate!

The Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. With its layers of moist cake, creamy filling, and fresh fruit toppings, it’s the perfect dessert for any festive occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to impress your guests with this stunning cake! Happy baking!