A Refreshing and Fun Dessert

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, this Cherry Limeade Poke Cake is exactly what you need! It’s a light, citrusy cake with a tangy cherry twist, topped with fluffy whipped topping and finished with maraschino cherries and fresh lime zest. This dessert is perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or any time you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Limeade Poke Cake

Easy to Make – Made with a boxed cake mix, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Bursting with Flavor – The combination of lemon-lime soda, cherry gelatin, and lime zest creates a tangy and refreshing taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, celebrating a birthday, or just want a sweet treat, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Since this cake needs to chill for at least two hours, you can prepare it ahead of time, making party prep a breeze!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 (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
1 (3-ounce) box cherry-flavored gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping
Zest of 1 lime (for garnish)
Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Lime slices (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
9×13-inch baking pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Zester or grater
Wooden spoon or straw (for poking holes)
Spatula for spreading whipped topping

How to Make Cherry Limeade Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, lemon-lime soda, vegetable oil, egg whites, and lime zest until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Gelatin Mixture

While the cake cools, dissolve the cherry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.

Step 3: Poke and Fill the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the cake. Pour the warm cherry gelatin mixture evenly over the holes, ensuring it soaks into the cake.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake. Garnish with lime zest, maraschino cherries, and lime slices for a beautiful presentation.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. Slice and enjoy this refreshing treat!

Tips and Variations

Swap the Cake Mix – Try using a lemon or vanilla cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
Make It Extra Tangy – Add a bit of fresh lime juice to the cake batter or gelatin mix for an extra citrusy punch.
Use Homemade Whipped Cream – If you prefer, make homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping for a richer taste.
Try Different Gelatin Flavors – While cherry is a classic, strawberry or raspberry gelatin also works well.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator – Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer – Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Food and Drink Pairings

Beverage: This cake pairs beautifully with a cold glass of homemade cherry limeade or a refreshing iced tea.
Side Dish: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh fruit for an extra treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes! You can use lemon, vanilla, or even strawberry cake mix for a unique twist.

2. What if I don’t have lemon-lime soda?

You can substitute it with club soda, plain water, or even milk, though soda adds a nice fluffiness to the cake.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better when chilled overnight, so making it a day in advance is a great idea.

4. Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes! Pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes, then follow the same steps for poking holes and adding the gelatin.

5. Do I have to use whipped topping?

No, you can substitute it with cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even a yogurt-based topping if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Limeade Poke Cake is the ultimate summer dessert—refreshing, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ, a birthday party, or just enjoying it with your family, it’s sure to be a hit.

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