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Easy Firecracker Poke Cake Recipe with Strawberries and Blueberries for 4th of July

Easy Firecracker Poke Cake - featured image
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A quick and festive poke cake featuring cherry gelatin, fresh strawberries, and blueberries, perfect for 4th of July celebrations or any summer gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white or yellow cake mix (e.g., Betty Crocker)
  • Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 package (3 oz) cherry gelatin mix (or raspberry gelatin as a substitute)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup blueberries, rinsed and patted dry

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box, combining cake mix with eggs, oil, and water. Beat until smooth but do not overmix.
  3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Let the cake cool slightly for about 10 minutes so it is warm but not hot.
  5. Use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes all over the cake about 1 inch apart.
  6. In a medium bowl, dissolve the cherry gelatin powder in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water and mix well. Let it cool for 5 minutes but do not let it set.
  7. Slowly pour the gelatin over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
  8. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the gelatin is fully set.
  9. In a cold bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  10. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Arrange the sliced strawberries and blueberries on top in any pattern desired.
  11. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to eat.

Notes

Use firm, ripe berries for best texture and sweetness. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain well before topping. Pour gelatin while cake is warm but not hot to ensure proper absorption. Chill cake for at least 2 hours for best texture. To speed chilling, use freezer for 30 minutes but do not forget it. Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream to achieve fluffier peaks. Avoid over-beating cream to prevent it from turning grainy or into butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, 4th of July dessert, strawberry cake, blueberry cake, cherry gelatin, easy cake recipe, summer dessert, patriotic dessert

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-firecracker-poke-cake-recipe-with-strawberries-and-blueberries-for-4th-of-july/