These Redhot Patriotic Poke Cupcakes were inspired by Patriotism, a love of desserts and my grandchildren who love the Red Hots and Fireball candies!
I remember ‘Poke’ cakes from when they first became popular back in the, well hmmm, was it the late ’70’s or sometime in the crazy 80’s? I don’t remember but I do have a funny story to tell about my first ‘poke’ cake!
There was a nice 4th of July celebration at church. Someone thought it would be fun for all of us ladies to bring a Poke cake! (there is absolutely no way that I would agree to being a part of everyone making the exact same thing ever again!) Anyway, there is a small group of ladies gathered around the dessert table. One particular lady is going to town talking about just how horrible one of the cakes looked (the ugly cakes are always the best ones!). When she decided to take a break from being the judge of the ugliest cake conversation, I simply and quietly stated, “I did the best I could.” Who was being ugly, me or her?
I made these Redhot Patriotic Poke Cupcakes at my daughter’s home surrounded by my precious grandchildren. I think my baking skills have improved over the years. The grandchildren sure thought they were good!
- 1pkg. white cake mix
- Eggs and oil according to cake mix package directions
- 1 Can vanilla frosting
- 1 Box Berry Blue gelatin
- 1 small pkg. Red Hot candies
- 1 small pkg. Fireball candies
- 1 pkg. red gelatin (cherry or strawberry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1.2 cup cold water
- Follow directions on back of cake mix box for making cupcakes.
- Bake cupcakes according to directions, then allow to cool.
- While cupcakes are cooling, spoon the frosting into a bowl. Pour the Berry Blue gelatin into the frosting and mix completely. Set aside.
- In a bowl, pour the boiling water over the red gelatin and stir until dissolved. Pour the cold water in and stir.
- Using a meat fork or a wooden skewer, poke holes into the cupcakes at about ¼ inch intervals. (Don’t use a dinner fork as the holes will be too large)
- Pour or spoon the gelatin over the holes in the cupcakes.
- Pipe the frosting on top.
- Place a single fireball on top and then surround that fireball with Red Hot candies
- Serve and Enjoy!
I did not want to use food coloring to make the frosting a deep blue. Berry Blue gelatin works fine if you don’t mind having that beautiful shade of aqua blue. I don’t mind.
Will you be making dessert for your Patriotic family celebration?
You May Also Like: Patriotic Family Friendly Beverage
Frosted Mason Jar Patriotic Luminaries
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Shirley Wood
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easy, sweet and hot 🙂 Can I have a half dozen please? Thanks for the recipe!
Shirley, these cupcakes look great! What a fun spin on poke cakes. Thanks for linking up at Celebrate the USA Party!
Hi Shirley,
I have never made a poke cake before but I would imagine the possibilities are endless- hence you creating one made from red hot candies! I love that it was festive for the 4th! Thanks for sharing at the Talented Tuesday link party!
Cheers!
AJ
Such a fun idea! And I absolutely love the look of the inside of the cupcake. Thanks so much for linking up with us over at the Creative Inspiration Party. See you next week! Mon 8p CST – Thurs 8p CST.
Oh yes, that is a great question for us to ask ourselves! Life is short, let’s have fun! Thank you for the kind words! I will see you again at Merry Monday 🙂
When was the last time you ate a red hot? A good life question that I should ask myself more. Love this idea! Thanks so much for linking up to the Merry Monday Link Party! Hope to see you next week!- Treana @ houseofbennetts.com
Linked up! Thank you so much for the invitation. There are a whole lot of great ideas on Merry Monday!
These are different. I’ve never used “hot” candies in a cupcake before. Would love if you come and join us on our Merry Monday Linky Party on Sunday at 6pm PST.
Thank you Jamie. Thanks for the Pin. Hope you get to make them!
These look great! Pinned, so I can come back and try your recipe. Thanks!
I remember those first poke cakes! Does that make us old? Of course not, because everything old is new again! I’ll see recipes on Pinterest that are all the rage and I think, “that’s so decades ago,” but it’s always new to someone.
Having said that, your cupcakes are beautiful and I’ve never had a poke cake with red hots. And it really makes me want one. This is a perfect dessert for kids and adults and especially for the 4th of July! I’m pinning to my 4th of July board!
Now I’m wanting a fireball. Haven’t had one in years! 🙂