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Cherry Poke Cake Recipe

4.7 from 96 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely to set the gelatin fully. Placing it in the refrigerator at this point works best.
  6. 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.
  7. 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