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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In This Guide
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
Can You Freeze Poke Cake?
Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Absolutely. It actually tastes better when chilled overnight — the pudding soaks in, and the flavors meld beautifully.
How Should I Store It?
Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 5–7 days.
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
Patriotic Poke Cake: The Ultimate 4th of July Dessert
- Total Time: 2 hours+
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
You’re going to love this one—imagine the burst of flavors, the vibrant textures, and that secret twist that makes this recipe absolutely irresistible; trust me, you need to try this ASAP!
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Tint one with red food coloring, one with blue, and leave the last one white.
- 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!
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool for 15–20 minutes.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
- Whisk pudding mixes with milk until slightly thickened.
- Pour most into the holes, then spread the rest over the top.
- Cover and chill the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread generously over the pudding layer.
- Add sprinkles — go wild with stars, stripes, and sparkles!
Notes
For deeper color contrast, use gel food coloring. Chill overnight for best results and ultimate flavor fusion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg