Can I use natural food coloring?

Absolutely! Beet juice or red cabbage powder (mixed with a pinch of baking soda) works well for red hues, and blueberry juice is perfect for blue.

What if my cake turns out soggy?

Usually, it’s from holes being too close or too much filling poured. Space the holes about 1.5 inches apart and pour fillings slowly.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! This is a fantastic make-ahead patriotic cake . Prepare it a day before and chill overnight for the best flavor.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Using natural food dyes and fruit toppings makes this recipe safe and fun for kids.

Patriotic Poke Cake Recipe: A Festive Red, White & Blue Dessert for the 4th of July

Description

There’s something truly magical about desserts that bring people together — especially when they’re festive, simple, and downright delicious. This Patriotic Poke Cake is moist, creamy, and topped with fresh berries to make your Independence Day table shine. If you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this recipe will become your new holiday staple.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box white cake mix
Eggs, water, vegetable oil (as per cake mix instructions)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Gel food coloring (red and blue)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
1 package vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
2 cups whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
Fresh strawberries and blueberries

Instructions

Mix the cake batter according to package instructions, adding vanilla extract.
Divide batter into three bowls — leave one plain, add red food coloring to second, blue to third.
Pour batter into baking pan in three sections for a marble effect or swirl gently.
Bake about 30 minutes; test doneness with toothpick.
While warm, poke holes about 1.5 inches apart with wooden spoon handle.
Melt white chocolate chips and stir in condensed milk; pour evenly over cake.
Whisk vanilla pudding mix with cold milk and pour over cake to fill gaps.
Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
Spread whipped topping over chilled cake.
Arrange fresh strawberries and blueberries on top in stripes to mimic the American flag.

Notes

Use gel food coloring to keep colors vibrant. Space holes about 1.5 inches apart to avoid sogginess. Best served chilled and consumed within 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking and Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: patriotic poke cake, 4th of July dessert, red white and blue cake, poke cake recipe, easy patriotic cake