Cherry Almond Poke Cake

Here is a delightful recipe for a sweet treat that until recently I had never heard of before called Poke Cake. And it seems to be the rage right now as the Internet and Blogosphere is saturated with variations of this tasty cake popping up everywhere! I have read over and over again that this type of cake was staple for many growing up, having it for parties and such. Interesting, it was never part of my childhood. Maybe because my mom did not use packaged cake or cool whip as well, the only time I remember eating JELL-O was when I was sick. So come to my surprise these are the exact ingredients you use to make this light and delicious cake. I decided what the heck, I might as well join the bandwagon and give it a whirl. I put my own spin on it and came up with this divine Cherry Almond Poke Cake to celebrate the summer and cherries!

Cherry Almond Poke Cake
(inspired from Shugary Sweets)

1 box (18.25 oz ) White Cake Mix, prepared with ingredients
1/2 teaspoon Pure Almond Extract
1 box (3 oz) JELL-O Cherry instant gelatin mix
1 cup water, boiling
1 pint heaving whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup sliced almonds for garnish
Fresh cherries for garnish

In a large bowl mix cake and ingredients according to package using the recipe calling for egg whites only (that will keep the cake white). As well, add the 1/2 teaspoon of Pure Almond Extract to batter. Bake cake in a 13×9-inch baking dish, as directed on box. Cool for about 1 hour, then using a large fork, poke holes into the cake.

In a small bowl, mix gelatin with boiling water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour gelatin slowly over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes in the cake. Let cake cool completely.

In a large bowl of an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and continue to beat on high until stiff peaks form.

Spread the whipped cream on top of the cooled cake, cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, cut into squares and top each piece with a sprinkling of sliced almonds and a fresh red cherry.

This Cherry Almond Poke Cake is definitely a keeper! The best thing about this recipe is not only is it easy to prepare, you can adapt it to flavors to your liking for year-round enjoyment. But for now, enjoy your summer now with a slice of this scrumptious JELL-O cake!