How do I stop the cake from getting soggy?

Cool the cake before poking it, use the right amount of gelatin, and let the liquid cool slightly before pouring. Those three steps keep the crumb moist without turning it wet.

How do I keep the red and blue colors from mixing?

Pour the colors into separate rows with squeeze bottles or narrow-spout cups. Work slowly and let the gelatin thicken slightly first.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, 4th of July Jello cake usually tastes even better after an overnight chill. Add the fruit close to serving time for the prettiest top.

What is the best tool for poking the holes?

I like the handle of a wooden spoon best because it makes holes wide enough for clear color stripes. A thick straw also works well.

Can I use different cake flavors?

Yes. White cake works best for bright patriotic colors, but vanilla or yellow cake can still work. Chocolate hides the colors too much for this design.

How do you arrange the fruit to look like a flag?

Place blueberries in the upper left corner for the stars section. Then add strawberry or raspberry strips across the rest of the cake, leaving the whipped topping visible as the white stripes.

4th of July Jello Cake: 7 Amazing Tips for Perfect Layers

Name: 4th of July Jello Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box; 1 box strawberry gelatin, 3 ounces; 1 box berry blue gelatin, 3 ounces; 2 cups boiling water, divided; 1 tub whipped topping, thawed; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries or raspberries

Description

A festive 4th of July Jello cake made with white cake, red and blue gelatin, whipped topping, and fresh berries arranged like an American flag.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box white cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box
1 box strawberry gelatin, 3 ounces
1 box berry blue gelatin, 3 ounces
2 cups boiling water, divided
1 tub whipped topping, thawed
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries or raspberries

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Instructions

Bake the white cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to the package directions.
Cool the cake for 15 to 20 minutes.
Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the surface in even rows.
Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water and the berry blue gelatin in the second cup of boiling water.
Let both mixtures cool slightly until they feel pourable but not hot and watery.
Pour each color into separate rows of holes, alternating red and blue.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Spread the whipped topping over the cake.
Arrange blueberries in the upper left corner and sliced strawberries or raspberries in stripes across the top.
Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

A boxed white cake mix gives the most even crumb for the poke cake method.

Use squeeze bottles for cleaner red and blue stripes.

Add the fruit topping closer to serving time for the freshest look.

Keep the cake chilled during outdoor events.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking / Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 285 kcal
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 290mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg