Patriotic Poke Cake: The Ultimate 4th of July Dessert

There’s just something magical about a cake that practically sings the 4th of July — and this Patriotic Poke Cake does exactly that. With swirls of red, white, and blue, a creamy cheesecake pudding filling, and a dreamy whipped cream topping, this Patriotic Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that instantly becomes the centerpiece of your Independence Day spread.

Growing up, my Nonna used to make jello-filled Patriotic Poke Cakes for every summer holiday — Memorial Day, Labor Day, you name it. Her hands moved with purpose and joy, turning a simple boxed mix into a festive masterpiece. This modern take on a Patriotic Poke Cake captures that same nostalgic charm while adding a deliciously cool twist, perfect for backyard BBQs and star-spangled celebrations

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What is a Poke Cake?

A Patriotic Poke Cake is exactly what it sounds like — a cake that’s been baked and then poked (yes, poked!) all over to let luscious fillings like pudding or gelatin soak deep into every bite. The result? A moist, flavor-packed dessert with beautiful layers of color and texture that feels like a party on a plate.

In our red, white, and blue Patriotic Poke Cake, we’re skipping the jello and going straight for velvety cheesecake pudding. It adds creamy richness without being overly sweet. Thanks to the white cake mix base, those vibrant patriotic shades really shine through. Whether you’re a fan of classic jello poke cakes or modern pudding versions, this Patriotic Poke Cake proves that the magic is all in those flavor-filled holes!

Discover more 4th of July food inspiration on our dedicated Pinterest board

Why You’ll Love This Patriotic Poke Cake

This cake is more than a treat—it’s a party on a plate! Here’s why it’s a must-make:

• Vibrant & Festive: Red, white, and blue swirls make it perfect for Independence Day, Memorial Day, or Labor Day.
• Easy to Make: With a boxed mix and instant pudding, it’s practically foolproof.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Soft, creamy, colorful, and not too sweet — ideal for kids, grandparents, and everyone in between.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill it overnight and free up time for grilling or games.

This is one of those summer party desserts you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need for this colorful masterpiece:

• 1 box white cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water per package)
• Red and blue food coloring
• 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant cheesecake pudding mix
• 3½ cups milk
• 2½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Patriotic sprinkles

How to Make Patriotic Poke Cake – Step-by-Step

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Bake Time: 30 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours+

1. Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the white cake mix as instructed on the box.

Divide the batter evenly into three bowls — one stays white (as shown earlier), and the other two are tinted red and blue like below.

Tint one with red food coloring, one with blue, and leave the last one white.

2. Swirl the Colors

Drop spoonfuls of each color randomly into a greased 9×13” baking dish.

Lightly swirl with a toothpick to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix!

3. Bake and Cool

• Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let it cool for 15–20 minutes.

4. Poke the Cake

• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.

5. Make the Pudding

• Whisk pudding mixes with milk until slightly thickened.
• Pour most into the holes, then spread the rest over the top.

6. Chill

• Cover and chill the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight.

7. Make the Whipped Topping

• Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
• Spread generously over the pudding layer.

8. Decorate

• Add sprinkles — go wild with stars, stripes, and sparkles!

Pro Tips & Decoration Ideas

• For deeper color contrast, gel food coloring works best.
• Want crisp stripes? Layer the colored batter intentionally rather than swirling.
• Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried berries for a natural pop of color.
• Sub in chocolate pudding and red/green coloring for a holiday twist.

Patriotic Dessert Pairings

Planning a full-on star-spangled dessert table? These treats pair beautifully:

• Try our melt-in-your-mouth Patriotic Oreo Balls
• Serve alongside chewy 4th of July Crinkle Cookies
• Craving fruit-forward flavor? Check out the Strawberry Jello Poke Cake

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Card

Title: Patriotic Poke Cake
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours or overnight
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Keywords: Patriotic Poke Cake, 4th of July dessert, make-ahead desserts

Share Your Sweet Creations

Did you make this cake? Did your kids go crazy with the sprinkles? Share your photos and patriotic twists in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @kairecipes! We’d love to feature your festive creation!

Stay Inspired

Follow Kai Recipe on Facebook for more festive desserts and creative food ideas
Explore Kai Recipes on Pinterest for beautifully styled and easy-to-make treats
Discover more 4th of July food inspiration on our dedicated Pinterest board

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