Red, White & Blueberry Poke Cake

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of two 9-in. round baking pans with parchment or waxed paper; coat paper with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, eggs and oil; beat on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes.
2. 2

   Transfer to prepared pans. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pans on wire racks.
3. 3

   For strawberry gelatin, in a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 2-3 minutes or until berries are soft. Strain into a small bowl, pressing berries lightly; discard pulp. Add gelatin to syrup, stirring to dissolve completely. Cool to room temperature. Repeat steps to make blueberry gelatin.
4. 4

   Using a wooden skewer, pierce tops of cakes to within 1 inch of edge; twist skewer gently to make slightly larger holes. Gradually pour cooled strawberry mixture over 1 cake, being careful to fill each hole. Repeat with blueberry mixture and remaining cake. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.
5. 5

   In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until soft peaks form.
6. 6

   Run a knife around sides of pans to loosen cakes. Remove strawberry cake from pan; remove paper. Place cake on a serving plate. Spread with 1 cup whipped cream.
7. 7

   Remove blueberry cake from pan; remove paper. Place cake over whipped cream layer. Frost top and sides with remaining cream. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.