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Easy Firecracker Poke Cake Recipe with Creamy Vanilla Layers for Perfect Dessert

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A quick and colorful poke cake featuring moist yellow cake infused with red and blue gelatin bursts, topped with a creamy vanilla pudding layer. Perfect for festive occasions and easy to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120 ml)
  • 1 cup water (240 ml)
  • 2 packets gelatin (1 red – strawberry or cherry, 1 blue – blue raspberry or berry blue)
  • 2 cups boiling water (475 ml) to dissolve gelatin
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz / 96 g)
  • 2 cups cold milk (475 ml)
  • 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
  • Optional garnishes: fresh berries or sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup water. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
  2. Pour batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cake cool completely.
  3. Dissolve each gelatin packet separately in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved, about 2 minutes per packet. Let cool slightly but do not set.
  4. Poke holes all over the cooled cake surface about 1 inch apart using a toothpick or wooden skewer, reaching the bottom but not too deep.
  5. Pour red gelatin evenly over half the cake, filling the holes, then pour blue gelatin over the other half. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until gelatin sets.
  6. Prepare vanilla pudding by whisking instant pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Fold in whipped topping gently until creamy.
  7. Spread the creamy vanilla pudding evenly over the gelatin layer using a spatula. Refrigerate for at least another hour to set.
  8. Garnish with fresh berries or sprinkles if desired. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean slices before serving.

Notes

Cool the cake completely before poking holes to prevent gelatin from melting and creating soggy texture. Pour gelatin slowly to ensure even absorption. Fold whipped topping gently into pudding to keep it fluffy. Refrigerate between steps for best layer setting. Use warm water on knife for clean slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: poke cake, firecracker cake, gelatin cake, easy dessert, vanilla pudding, colorful cake, festive dessert, quick cake recipe

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-firecracker-poke-cake-recipe-with-creamy-vanilla-layers-for-perfect-dessert/