Red White and Blue Berry Cheesecake Poke Cake
A festive and refreshing sheet cake soaked with homemade strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry sauces, then finished with a creamy cheesecake whipped topping. The perfect patriotic make-ahead dessert for summer parties and holiday BBQs.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon for poking holes
- medium saucepans for sauces
- electric hand mixer
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as required)
- 1 1/2 cups diced strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups raspberries
- 2 1/2 cups blueberries
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, divided
- 4 tsp gelatin powder, bloomed in 4 tbsp water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the white cake mix according to package directions in a 9x13 inch baking dish. While the cake is still warm, poke holes 1 inch apart using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- In a saucepan, simmer the strawberries and raspberries with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice until soft. Mash lightly and stir in 2 tsp bloomed gelatin until dissolved.
- In a separate saucepan, simmer the blueberries with the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice until soft. Stir in the remaining 2 tsp bloomed gelatin and let cool.
- Alternate filling the holes in the cake with the red and blue berry sauces. Spread any remaining sauce over the top and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla and remaining powdered sugar to firm peaks, then fold the mixtures together.
- Spread the cheesecake topping evenly over the chilled cake. Garnish with fresh berries if desired, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Alternate the berry sauces carefully when filling the holes for a dramatic red, white, and blue effect inside each slice. This cake is best made a day ahead so the sauces fully set and the topping firms beautifully. Garnish with fresh berries just before serving for the freshest finish.