Imagine a dessert that combines the rich decadence of chocolate cake, the fizzy magic of Coca-Cola, and the vibrant burst of cherry Jello - all in one irresistible treat! This Cherry Jello Coke Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to a world of sweet, tangy, and moist deliciousness. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or when you simply want to impress your friends and family with a show-stopping dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 can Coke
- 1 box cherry Jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and entire can of Coke. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Ensure the batter reaches all corners of the pan.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cherry Jello. In a separate bowl, dissolve the cherry Jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Let it cool slightly but not set.
- Once the cake is baked, remove from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the warm cake.
- Slowly pour the prepared cherry Jello mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. This will create pockets of cherry flavor throughout the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours to allow the Jello to set and the cake to cool completely.
- Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake's surface. Garnish with chopped maraschino cherries for added color and flavor.
- Slice into 12 even pieces and serve chilled. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother cake batter and more even baking.
- When poking holes in the cake, make sure they're evenly distributed to ensure maximum Jello absorption.
- Let the Jello cool slightly before pouring to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using a dark chocolate cake mix.
- Chill the cake thoroughly before adding whipped topping to ensure clean, neat spreading.
- For a more adult version, you can use cherry liqueur instead of plain Jello mixture.
- Ensure your cake is still warm when adding the Jello to help it penetrate deeply into the cake.
- Use a clear measuring cup when pouring Jello to control the flow and coverage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
