Cherry Poke Cake Recipe
Cherry Poke Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a moist white cake infused with cherry gelatin. The cake is punctured to let the cherry-flavored gelatin soak in, creating a flavorful and juicy texture. Topped with whipped topping and luscious cherry pie filling, this cake is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet treat any time.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients required on box)
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 box cherry gelatin (3 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Topping
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 ounces)
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
- Prepare the Cake: Prepare the white cake mix according to the instructions on the box, including all required ingredients. Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan and bake as directed on the box until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Dissolve Gelatin: While the cake is baking or cooling, dissolve the cherry gelatin powder into 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until completely dissolved.
- Poke Holes in Cake: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes after baking, so it’s warm but not hot. Using a wooden skewer or large meat fork, poke holes evenly all over the baked cake surface. These holes help the gelatin soak in deeply for flavor infusion.
- Pour Gelatin Over Cake: Carefully pour the dissolved cherry gelatin evenly over the surface of the cake, allowing it to seep through the holes and infuse the cake layers.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely to set the gelatin fully. Placing it in the refrigerator at this point works best.
- Add Toppings: Once cool, spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top of the cake. Then spoon the cherry pie filling generously over the whipped topping.
- Refrigerate: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to chill.
Notes
- Use a fork or skewer to poke holes evenly and deeply enough to reach the bottom layers for maximum gelatin absorption.
- Ensure the cake is warm but not hot when pouring gelatin to prevent melting the gelatin too quickly.
- For a firmer topping, chill the Cool Whip before spreading.
- This cake is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling crushed nuts or shredded coconut on top along with the cherries.
Keywords: Cherry poke cake, cherry gelatin cake, poke cake, easy cake recipe, chilled dessert, white cake with cherry topping