Patriotic Poke Cake is a festive showstopper that adds a splash of red, white, and blue to your Fourth of July spread. This eye-catching dessert features patriotic swirls that resemble the American flag, layered with luscious cheesecake pudding and topped with airy whipped cream. It’s cheerful, colorful, and simple enough for any skill level. With just 30 minutes of prep and common pantry staples, this cake is the go-to dessert for stress-free holiday entertaining. Whether you’re throwing a backyard cookout or joining a neighborhood potluck, this cake will wow your guests and steal the spotlight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Eye-Catching Design: A swirl of patriotic colors makes this cake a showstopper.
- Effortless Prep: Starts with a boxed mix for ease and consistency.
- Cool & Creamy Layers: Cheesecake pudding and homemade whipped cream create irresistible texture.
- Prep-Friendly: Ideal for making the night before your event.
- Customizable: Switch up the colors for any holiday theme.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- Ingredients as listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and blue food coloring (gel preferred)
- Festive sprinkles for garnish
How to Make Patriotic Poke Cake
- Preheat & Prep
- Set oven to the temperature indicated on your cake mix box.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Mix & Color Batter
- Prepare cake batter as directed.
- Divide evenly into three bowls: leave one white, tint one red, and the other blue.
- Layer Colors in Pan
- Drop spoonfuls of each color randomly into the pan.
- Repeat with a second layer, alternating colors.
- Gently tap the pan to settle batter.
- Use a toothpick to lightly swirl—avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake
- Bake as directed on the box until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke & Pour
- Poke holes across the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Add Pudding Layer
- Whisk pudding mix with milk until smooth.
- Before it sets, pour evenly over the cake, filling the holes.
- Spread remaining pudding across the top.
- Refrigerate to set.
- Whip & Top
- Beat chilled cream and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and beat to stiff peaks.
- Spread whipped cream over chilled pudding layer.
- Decorate & Serve
- Garnish with sprinkles just before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge.
Helpful Tips
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant, concentrated hues.
- Don’t over-swirl the batter to preserve distinct colors.
- Let pudding layer set fully before adding whipped topping.
- Chill beaters and bowl for faster whipped cream.
Substitutions And Variations
- Cake Flavor: Try vanilla, lemon, or even funfetti.
- Pudding: Use vanilla or white chocolate as alternatives.
- Whipped Topping: Swap with store-bought Cool Whip.
- Holiday Swaps: Use green and red for Christmas, or pastels for Easter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix? Yes! Just use any white or vanilla cake recipe and divide the batter accordingly.
Can I freeze this cake? It’s not recommended as the pudding and whipped layers may separate when thawed.
How far ahead can I make it? Make it up to 24 hours in advance for best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have cheesecake pudding? Vanilla or white chocolate pudding are great substitutes.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store tightly covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Not ideal due to the creamy toppings.
- Make-Ahead: Best made the day before your event and topped just before serving.
Conclusion
Patriotic Poke Cake is the ultimate easy and festive dessert to celebrate America in style. With its bold colors, creamy layers, and delightful texture, it’s a guaranteed hit at any Fourth of July bash. Ready to wow your guests? Try this recipe and let your dessert shine as brightly as the fireworks. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us—and check out our other red, white, and blue recipes for more holiday baking inspiration!