Craving a delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Look no further than the cherries in the snow poke cake recipe. This classic dessert combines the simplicity of a box cake with the lusciousness of vanilla pudding, cherry pie filling, and a cloud of whipped topping.
Poke cakes are known for their moist texture, achieved by infusing the cake with a creamy pudding mixture that seeps into every bite. The name “cherries in the snow” perfectly captures the image of a snowy white cake topped with a vibrant layer of cherry goodness.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box instructions)
- 1 3/4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 8 oz tub whipped topping, thawed
- 1 21 oz can cherry pie filling
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 9 oz prebaked angel food cake
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 12 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
- 42 oz cherry pie filling (2 cans)
Required Equipment
To make the delicious cherries in the snow poke cake recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Refrigerator for chilling the cake
- Serving platter
Having these essential tools ready will ensure that you can effortlessly prepare and enjoy this delightful dessert.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make ahead this delightful cherries in the snow poke cake, follow these simple steps to ensure a stress-free dessert preparation that will still be fresh and delicious when served:
- Bake the Cake: Start by preparing and baking the cake according to the recipe instructions. Once the cake has cooled and the gelatin mixture has been poured over it, cover the baking dish securely with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate Overnight: After the cake has been assembled with the cherry pie filling and whipped topping, place it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to refrigerate the cake overnight to allow all the flavors to meld together and for the gelatin to set properly.
- Keep Chilled: To maintain the freshness and texture of the poke cake, store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The chilled environment will help the cake stay moist and flavorful for an extended period.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can conveniently prepare the cherries in the snow poke cake in advance without sacrificing its taste and quality. Enjoy the ease of serving a delicious and visually appealing dessert at your convenience.
Directions
Creating a delicious cherries in the snow poke cake is a delightful experience that combines the sweetness of cherries with a moist and flavorful cake. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make this scrumptious dessert.
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, combine a white or yellow cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before proceeding to the next steps.
Making the Cherry Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together cherry gelatin and boiling water, stirring for about 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
- Add cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir well to combine.
- Using a wooden skewer or a large fork, poke holes into the cooled cake at intervals of about 1/2 inch.
- Carefully pour the prepared cherry gelatin mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills all the holes and spreads evenly.
- Cover the cake and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the gelatin to set and infuse the cake with a burst of fruity flavor.
- Once the cake is thoroughly chilled and the gelatin has set, take it out of the refrigerator.
- Top the cake with a generous layer of whipped topping, spreading it evenly over the surface.
- Spoon cherry pie filling on top of the whipped topping, creating a luscious and vibrant cherry sauce over the white cake.
- Refrigerate the finished cherries in the snow poke cake until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to chill to perfection.
- When serving, slice the cake into portions, revealing the beautiful layers of cherries, whipped topping, and moist cake underneath. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in each heavenly bite of this indulgent dessert.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to put a twist on the classic cherries in the snow poke cake recipe, here are some creative variations to try out:
Alternative Cake Flavors
Feel free to experiment with different cake flavors to customize your cherries in the snow poke cake. Instead of white cake mix, you can try using chocolate cake mix for a richer taste, lemon cake mix for a zesty flavor, or even red velvet cake mix for a dramatic look. Each variation will bring a unique touch to this delightful dessert.
Substitute Toppings
While cherry pie filling is a classic topping for cherries in the snow poke cake, you can switch things up by using other fruit fillings. Consider topping your cake with strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling for a fruity twist. Additionally, you can get creative with toppings like fresh fruit slices, toasted nuts, or even chocolate shavings for a different flavor profile. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite variation of this delectable dessert.
Serving and Storage
When it comes to serving cherries in the snow poke cake, it’s best to do so chilled for a refreshing and delightful treat. Once the cake is assembled with the whipped topping and cherry pie filling, refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
To enhance the presentation and flavor, consider topping each slice with fresh cherries, canned cherries, or sliced almonds. These toppings add a pop of color and texture to each serving, making it even more appealing to the eye and the palate.
For storage, cover the cake or the baking dish with plastic wrap or use a container with a lid to keep it fresh in the refrigerator. By covering it properly, you can ensure that the cake stays moist and flavorful for the next servings.
Whether you choose to enjoy a slice right away or let it set in the fridge for a day, the flavors will only deepen, creating a more harmonious blend of sweetness that will surely impress your taste buds. This make-ahead dessert allows you the flexibility of preparing in advance, making it perfect for gatherings or simply indulging in a sweet treat whenever you desire.
Conclusion
Creating a cherries in the snow poke cake is a delightful experience that results in a scrumptious dessert for any occasion. The blend of flavors and textures in this cake is sure to impress your taste buds and those of your guests. With simple steps and make-ahead options, it’s a convenient choice for busy schedules. Remember to chill the cake for a refreshing taste and consider adding your favorite toppings for a personalized touch. By following the storage tips provided, you can ensure that your cake stays moist and delicious for days to come. This versatile dessert is a perfect make-ahead option that only gets better with time, making it a must-try for any dessert lover.