Are you looking for a show-stopping dessert that's as delicious as it is beautiful? This Patriotic Poke Cake is perfect for your next 4th of July barbecue, Memorial Day gathering, or any celebration that calls for a vibrant and flavorful treat. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the stunning red, white, and blue layers are guaranteed to impress your guests. This recipe offers a fun twist on a classic, showcasing the best of homemade cooking and quick dinner ideas for a truly memorable dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
- Ingredients listed on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- Red and blue food coloring (gel food coloring recommended for vibrant color)
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries) for garnish
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Bake the Cake:
- Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Divide the batter in half. Stir red food coloring into one half and blue food coloring into the other until you achieve a deep, vibrant color.
- Pour half of the white batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly.
- Pour the red batter over the white layer, spreading evenly.
- Pour the blue batter over the red layer, spreading evenly.
Poke and Fill:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, use a wooden skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. Don’t poke all the way to the bottom of the pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Pour the mixture over the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Spread the remaining filling evenly over the top.
Top it Off:
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the filling.
- Garnish with fresh berries for a festive touch.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Tips for Baking Success:
- For the most vibrant colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring.
- Don't overmix the cake batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before poking holes and adding the filling. A warm cake will melt the filling.
- If you don't have fresh berries, you can use sprinkles or other festive candies to decorate the cake.
Variations:
- Lemon Poke Cake: Replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract and add lemon zest to the filling.
- Chocolate Poke Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of a white cake mix.
- Seasonal Variations: Use different colored food coloring and seasonal berries to create a cake that matches the occasion.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a 12-serving cake and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This Patriotic Poke Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that's perfect for any celebration. Its vibrant colors and delightful flavor will surely be a hit with everyone. It’s a fantastic example of how easy it can be to create delicious dishes using simple, easy recipes for healthy meals. Enjoy!