Colorful 4-Ingredient Cherry Poke Cake Recipe Is Fun & Easy to Make Cakes/Cupcakes Desserts

Poke cakes are so easy to make. This colorful cherry poke cake recipe has just four ingredients and minimal prep because it starts with a boxed cake mix. (Yes, you'll need the basic pantry ingredients to make the cake mix.) This easy and fun cherry cake recipe travels well, so it is ideal for taking to potlucks, cookouts and family get-togethers. What a fun cake to enjoy on July 4th!

Here is your short and sweet shopping list for this cherry poke cake dessert: a box of white cake mix (make sure you have the ingredients on hand to prepare it), a box of cherry gelatin, non-dairy whipped topping and maraschino cherries. Start by preparing the cake and baking it according to package directions. Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes, then make the gelatin according to package directions. Poke holes all over the cake and pour on the cherry gelatin. After the cake is chilled for about two hours, top with the whipped topping. Simple, right? 

If you're making this poke cake for the Fourth of July, add some blueberries to make it patriotic and red, white and blue! 

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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 2 hours to chill 
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 1/2 hours
Servings: 10 to 12

Ingredients

• 1 box (16 ounces) white cake mix, plus ingredients to make it
• 1 small box (3 ounces) cherry gelatin
• 1 container (8 ounces) non-dairy whipped topping, whipped cream or vanilla frosting
• maraschino cherries

Helpful Products

• 13x9-inch Baking Pan
• Electric Mixer
• Skewers

Recipe Notes

• This poke cake recipe can be made with other flavors of gelatin. Get creative by using lime, orange, blue raspberry, watermelon or your favorite flavor gelatin.

• If desired, you could put some maraschino cherries on the bottom of the pan before pouring the cake batter over and baking.

Here's how to make it: 

1. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions for a 13x9-inch pan. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes after baking.
2. Make the gelatin according to package directions. 
3. Using a skewer or fork, poke holes all over the cake. Pour the gelatin over the cake. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours. 
4. When ready to serve, frost with the whipped topping. Garnish with maraschino cherries. 

Recipe cooking times and servings are approximate. Need to convert cooking and baking measurements? Here are some kitchen conversion charts. Here's how to submit your recipes to 30Seconds.

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