Stop everything that you're doing and grab the simple ingredients for these Patriotic Poke Cupcakes. Simple, delicious, and perfect for the 4th of July!

Patriotic Poke Cupcakes

I LOVE cupcakes. All kinds, all day. The reason being? It's a simple reason to enjoy a dessert that I literally don't have to share. Does that make me selfish? Maybe...but after years of making desserts and having people ask me for a bite, I'm drawn to making cupcakes because everyone can have their own.

That way, when someone asks me for a bite of cupcakes, I just have to tell them "no" and for them to get their own. Glorious, right?

I also love this easy poke cupcake recipe because poke cakes are just fun to make. While so many other baking recipes are all about perfection and beauty, poke cake recipes want you to actually make holes in the cooked cake!

For me, it's fun to poke the holes and add in the ingredients because I love how rich and moist poke cupcakes and cakes are. The holes just allow the perfect amount of flavor to seep through and get into each and every bite.

How do you poke a hole in a cupcake?

This is the best part! You can do this in a few different ways. Since you're going to make making a few holes in these cupcakes, using the end of a wooden spoon is going to be the best. That way you can make the holes and they'll be a unicorn and separate from one another.

Some people swear that using your finger is fine, too...just make certain that your hands are clean!

I don't recommend using a fork because those holes aren't big enough at all to get that classic poke cake look and flavor.

Why is it called Poke Cake?

There is actually a lot of different theories out there. But what it boils down to is that the Jello company was proving that jello could be used for many different things. This recipe was created and has never fizzled out.

How do you know when cupcakes are done baking?

Cupcakes are pretty quick and easy to bake but you want to be certain that they're done all the way through. The easiest way to be certain is that you can use a toothpick or a butter knife to test out the middle.

To do this, just insert it into the middle of a cooked cupcake. If it comes out clean, the cupcakes are done baking and ready to be pulled from the oven. If there is still wet batter, they need longer in the oven to be done.

What is meant by Poke Cake?

It's literally just like it sounds. You take a baked cake, or cupcake in this matter, and poke holes and fill them. It might look a bit funky while you're doing it, but it settles and looks really cool once ready to enjoy.

Does the added jello mixture create a weird texture?

It doesn't. The granules are so small, you don't even notice them. They just fill in the holes and add a cool and funky look fast.

Ingredients Needed for Jello Poke Cupcakes

You don't need very many ingredients at all to make this delicious cake recipe!

white cake mix prepared according to box directions
1.5 oz blue jello (half of a small box)
1.5 oz red jello (half of a small box)
1 cup boiling water, divided
8 oz whipping topping
sprinkles

How to make Jello Cake Mix Cupcakes

Once you see how simple and easy this recipe is, there's going to be no stopping you!

Prepare the cupcakes according to the cake mix

Prepare cupcakes according to box directions.

Prepare the jello

When cake is cooled, combine ½ cup boiling water with blue jello in a bowl. Stir until dissolved.

In another bowl, combine ½ cup boiling water with red jello. Stir until dissolved.

Poke holes in the cooled cupcakes

Using a wooden spoon, poke three holes in each cupcake.

Add in the jello mixture

Carefully spoon jello mixtures into the holes, trying to only pour one color into each hole. In each cupcake, I pour one color in two holes
and the other color into one hole.

Put the cupcakes in the fridge

Place cupcakes in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow jello to soak in.

Add the topping

Frost with whipped topping and finish things off with sprinkles.

Ways to Vary Up these Patriotic Cake Mix Cupcakes

The great news about making cupcakes using a cake mix is that it opens the door for a ton of other variance. You can easily switch out the type of cake mix that you want to use to change up the look and flavor fast.

Just be aware that a darker-colored cake mix isn't going to show any of the colors of the jello mixture if you're going for that "wow" factor in the middle. This would basically apply to cake mixes that chocolate and red velvet and something to remember, if so.

Mixing up the type of jello that you use is another fun way to mix up the flavor and look as well. Since this easy cupcake recipe is basic, it just means that you can use it to make cupcakes like this for all times of the year and other holidays.

Storage Tips for Cupcakes

While poke cake cupcakes are moist, you need to store them in an airtight container and eat them within 2-3 days of baking them. This will give them the best flavor and ensure that they're moist and fluffy, too.

You can freeze cooked cupcakes as well but freeze them before you add on any type of frosting or topping. Once they unthaw, you can easily add on the toppings that you want to then.

Have fun making this simple poke cupcake recipe! It's a fast and easy way to get an amazing and delicious treat!

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