Festive Poke Cake Delight (Printable Version)

A vibrant poke cake topped with ganache and sprinkles, ideal for celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake

01 - 1 box white cake mix approximately 15.25 oz/432 g
02 - Ingredients required for cake mix usually eggs, oil, and water; see package instructions

→ Gelatin Filling

03 - 1 box 3 oz/85 g strawberry or cherry flavored gelatin
04 - 1 box 3 oz/85 g blue raspberry or berry blue flavored gelatin
05 - 2 cups 480 ml boiling water divided 1 cup per gelatin flavor
06 - 2 cups 480 ml cold water divided 1 cup per gelatin flavor

→ White Chocolate Ganache

07 - 8 oz 225 g white chocolate finely chopped
08 - 1/2 cup 120 ml heavy cream

→ Topping

09 - 1 cup 240 ml whipped cream or whipped topping
10 - Red, white, and blue sprinkles or fresh berries optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F 175°C. Grease a 9x13 inch 23x33 cm baking dish. Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed, usually 25–30 minutes. Allow cake to cool for 15 minutes.
02 - Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cooled cake, spacing about 1 inch apart. Do not poke all the way to the bottom.
03 - In two separate medium bowls, dissolve each gelatin flavor in 1 cup boiling water. Stir each until fully dissolved, then add 1 cup cold water to each and stir again.
04 - Gently pour both red and blue gelatin mixtures into alternate holes in the cake, using a spoon or small measuring cup for precision. Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours to allow gelatin to set.
05 - Place chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over the chocolate. Let rest for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Allow ganache to cool until thickened slightly but still pourable.
06 - Pour ganache evenly over chilled cake. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to set.
07 - Spread whipped cream over ganache and decorate with sprinkles or fresh berries.
08 - Chill cake until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy!

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • This cake is as fun to make as it is to eat, with vibrant colors that bring smiles all around.
  • It's perfect for any patriotic celebration, easy enough for bakers of all levels.
02 -
  • Be careful not to poke too deep, or your gelatin might leak through the bottom!
  • A touch of food coloring in the cake batter can enhance the festive feel even more.
03 -
  • Mix the cake batter gently to avoid a dense result; treat it as if you’re cradling a secret.
  • Allowing the ganache to cool just enough makes it dramatically easier to pour without it sliding off the cake.
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