This cherry limeade cake is a flavorful dessert that’s simple to make and everyone loves. Poke cakes are renowned for their simplicity and delicious flavors, making them a staple in many homes like mine!). Using a basic sheet cake as the foundation, these desserts are a testament to the ease of baking. With minimal effort, you can transform a humble cake mix into a stunning and mouthwatering creation.
Combining these refreshing flavors with a moist and airy cake base, the result is a vibrant and zesty dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering, potluck, or simply a delightful “just because” treat.
Great Things About This Cake Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This dessert comes together swiftly, utilizing a white cake mix as the starting point.
- Bursting with Flavor: The subtle hint of lime in the soda harmonizes beautifully with the tartness of cherry Jell-O, reminiscent of a frosty glass of cherry limeade.
- Refreshing Indulgence: With its light and airy texture, this dessert captures the essence of summer in every bite.
Ingredients to Make Cherry Limeade Cake
- Box of white cake mix – You’ll use this as a base for the cake.
- Lemon-lime soda – You can use 7UP, Sprite, or any brand you prefer. Do not use diet soda, as it will alter the taste.
- Vegetable oil – Adds moisture to the cake.
- Egg whites – Helps create a light and fluffy cake.
- Lime zest – Add to the cake batter for extra lime flavor.
- Cherry Jell-O – This flavored gelatin with boiling water is what you’ll use for the filling.
- Thawed whipped topping – This makes the topping for the cake.
- Maraschino cherries and lime slices – Added to the top of the whipped cream for garnish.
Instructions
Step One: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease a 9 x 13 inch pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, soda, oil, egg whites, and lime zest. Mix until well combined, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Allow the cake to cool.
Step Two: Prepare the Cherry Gelatin
Dissolve the cherry Jell-O in boiling water according to package instructions. Once the cake has cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. Pour the prepared cherry mixture over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
Step Three: Frost the Cake
Spread the thawed whipped topping over the top of the cake and garnish with maraschino cherries and lime zest.
Step Four: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
Variations
- Cake Base: Experiment with different cake mixes, such as yellow cake, to customize the flavor.
- Filling: Swap the cherry Jell-O for other flavors like strawberry to suit your preferences.
- Topping: Substitute the whipped topping with your favorite frosting for a richer taste.
- Additional Flavor: Enhance the filling by incorporating cherry juice and fresh lime juice.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the cake can be made in advance, avoid freezing it as it may alter the texture.
Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! Follow the same directions for the cake batter, then spoon the liquid Jell-O mixture over the cooled cupcakes and finish with whipped cream and lime zest.
Why is it called poke cake?
A poke cake involves piercing the cake with holes, allowing a liquid filling to saturate the interior, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert.
Cherry Limeade Cake
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box white cake mix
- 1 ¼ cups lemon-lime soda such as Sprite
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 egg whites
- zest of 1 lime
- 3 ounce box cherry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 8 ounces whipped topping
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cake mix, soda, oil, egg whites, and zest of one lime until combined.15.25 ounce box white cake mix, 1 ¼ cups lemon-lime soda such as Sprite, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 3 egg whites, zest of 1 lime
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cake cool.
- Meanwhile, combine the boiling water with the cherry gelatin and whisk until dissolved.3 ounce box cherry-flavored gelatin, 1 cup boiling water
- Using the end of a wooden spoon poke holes all over the cooled cake.
- Pour the cherry gelatin mix into the holes.
- Spread the whipped topping all over the top of the cake.8 ounces whipped topping
- Garnish with cherries and the zest of a lime.Maraschino cherries for garnish, lime slices for garnish
- Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
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