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Perfect Red White and Blue Poke Cake Recipe with Fresh Berries

red white and blue poke cake - featured image
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A festive and easy poke cake featuring a moist white cake soaked with a fresh berry glaze, topped with creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping, perfect for patriotic occasions and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15.25 oz white cake mix (e.g., Betty Crocker)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3.4 oz vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until combined and smooth, about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour the batter into the greased pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  4. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden but not dry.
  5. Cool the cake in the pan for about 15 minutes. While still warm, poke holes evenly all over the cake about every 1-2 inches using a skewer or toothpick.
  6. Make the berry glaze by combining sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries (if using), sugar (if using), and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until berries soften and release juice, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  7. In a medium bowl, whisk the vanilla instant pudding mix with milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Refrigerate for 5 minutes to set.
  8. Pour the cooled berry glaze gently over the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
  9. Spread the pudding evenly over the cake once the glaze has absorbed.
  10. Top with whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Use freshly whipped cream for a lighter finish if desired.
  11. Decorate with remaining fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a pattern to showcase the red, white, and blue theme.
  12. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

Do not overbake the cake to keep it moist for the poke step. Poke holes while the cake is warm and pour cooled berry glaze to avoid melting the whipped topping. Use a sturdy skewer for consistent holes. Chill at least 2 hours for best texture. Fresh berries are preferred over frozen to avoid sogginess. Vanilla extract can be added to pudding or whipped cream for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, red white and blue cake, patriotic dessert, fresh berries, easy cake recipe, summer dessert, berry poke cake

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/perfect-red-white-and-blue-poke-cake-recipe-with-fresh-berries-easy-step-by-step/