Description
This vibrant sheet cake uses a moist white sponge as a canvas for colorful red and blue gelatin stripes, resulting in a festive interior and a refreshing mouthfeel. Finished with a light whipped topping and decorative swirls, it is the perfect dessert for 4th of July gatherings or Memorial Day celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 box (16.25 oz) white cake mix plus ingredients required by package
- 1 package (3 oz) Berry Blue flavored gelatin
- 1 package (3 oz) Cherry flavored gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water, divided
- 1 cup cold water, divided
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- Red and blue gel food coloring
- Patriotic sprinkles
Instructions
- Bake the white cake mix in a 9×13 inch pan according to the manufacturer’s directions and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a wide straw, poke holes across the entire surface of the cake at 1-inch intervals, reaching about three-quarters of the way through the sponge.
- In two separate heat-proof bowls, dissolve the blue and red gelatins each with 1 cup of boiling water, then stir 1/2 cup of cold water into each mixture.
- Carefully pour the colored gelatin into the holes, alternating between red and blue sections to create a variegated patriotic effect.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator and allow it to set for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure the gelatin bonds with the cake fibers.
- Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the surface, create swirls using a toothpick dipped in food coloring, and top with sprinkles before serving chilled.
Notes
To prevent the colors from bleeding into a muddy purple, ensure you space the red and blue gelatin pours carefully and give the cake ample time to set in the refrigerator before slicing. For the cleanest presentation, wipe your cutting knife with a warm, damp cloth between every slice to showcase the vertical stripes of color inside the sponge.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American