Memorial Day Red White Blue (Print)

A chilled patriotic poke cake with red and blue gelatin swirls, whipped topping and sprinkles—perfect for Memorial Day.

# What you'll need:

→ Cake

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
02 - 1 cup water
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 3 large eggs

→ Gelatin

05 - 1 box (3 oz) strawberry or cherry-flavored gelatin
06 - 1 box (3 oz) berry blue gelatin
07 - 2 cups boiling water, divided
08 - 2 cups cold water, divided

→ Topping

09 - 1 tub (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
10 - 2 tablespoons red, white, and blue sprinkles or nonpareils
11 - Fresh strawberries and blueberries (optional, for garnish)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions using the water, oil, and eggs. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
03 - Remove cake from oven and let cool for 15 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about every inch.
04 - Dissolve the red gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, then stir in 1/2 cup cold water. Repeat with blue gelatin using separate bowls.
05 - Carefully pour the red gelatin mixture over half of the holes in the cake and the blue gelatin over the other half. Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours until the gelatin is set.
06 - Spread thawed whipped topping evenly over the cake. Sprinkle with red, white, and blue sprinkles. Add fresh berries on top if desired.
07 - Slice and serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Those vibrant gelatin stripes look impressive but take almost no extra work—a secret shortcut to a showstopper dessert.
  • This cake is so refreshing served chilled, and the soft whipped topping makes it nearly impossible to eat just one piece.
02 -
  • If you pour gelatin when the cake is too hot, the colors blur and turn muddy—let it cool so those stripes stay defined.
  • Waiting the full chill time makes for cleaner slices and the most satisfying bite.
03 -
  • Run the wooden spoon handle under hot water before poking for smoother, less crumbly holes.
  • Alternating gelatin colors in checkerboard fashion looks extra festive and impresses guests every time.
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