A Heavenly Delight: Cherry Snow Poke Cake That Melts in Your Mouth

I’ve been making poke cakes for family gatherings for years, but there’s something special about this Cherries in the Snow version that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. The first time I brought this to my sister’s holiday party, the bright red cherries against the creamy white backdrop created such a beautiful presentation that guests were snapping photos before even taking their first bite. But the real magic happens when you taste it – that perfect balance of moist cake, creamy pudding, and sweet-tart cherries creates a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable.

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)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

I always make sure to gather everything I need before diving into this recipe. Having the right equipment on hand makes the process so much smoother! For this cherry snow poke cake, you’ll want to have:

A 9×13 baking pan (glass works beautifully as you can see the pretty layers)

A large mixing bowl for the cake batter

A medium mixing bowl for the pudding mixture

A whisk or hand mixer (I prefer my electric mixer for a smoother texture)

Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredients

A wooden spoon or rubber spatula for folding and spreading

The handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork for poking holes

Refrigerator space for chilling the cake (this is crucial for the pudding to set)

A serving platter or cake server if you’re presenting it for guests

I’ve found that taking a minute to set up my workspace with all these tools saves me from frantically searching through drawers mid-recipe. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute of prep time!

Prepare This Cake in Advance: My Time-Saving Tips

I’m a big believer in planning ahead, especially when entertaining guests. This cherry snow poke cake is actually perfect for making in advance – in fact, I think it tastes even better after sitting overnight! Here’s how I prepare it ahead of time:

Bake and Poke Your Cake Base: I start by baking my cake according to package directions and letting it cool for about 15-20 minutes – just enough so it’s still slightly warm. This is when I poke those all-important holes throughout the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon. The slightly warm cake accepts the pudding mixture more readily than a completely cooled one.

Add the Pudding Layer and Chill: After pouring the prepared vanilla pudding over the warm cake, ensuring it fills all those holes, I cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. I’ve found overnight works wonderfully – the pudding has time to fully set and infuse throughout the cake.

Final Assembly Timing: If I’m serving the next day, I’ll add the whipped topping and cherry layer about 3-4 hours before guests arrive. This gives everything time to marry together while still looking fresh. For the absolute best presentation, I add the cherry topping just before bringing it to the table.

Storage Notes: Once fully assembled, this cake stays delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture actually improves after the first day as all those flavors meld together, making it my go-to dessert when I need something impressive but don’t want last-minute stress.

Easy Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Cherry Snow Poke Cake

Creating this cherry-studded masterpiece has become something of a tradition in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share my process with you. The contrast between the creamy cake and vibrant cherry topping never fails to impress, and the best part? It’s much easier than it looks!

Preparing the Cake Base

I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving my 9×13-inch baking dish a generous coating of cooking spray. Nothing ruins a beautiful cake like having it stick to the pan!

In my large mixing bowl, I combine the white cake mix with the ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, water, and oil). For an extra touch of flavor, I often add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract – it complements the cherries beautifully.

Once the batter is smooth and lump-free, I pour it evenly into my prepared baking dish, using my spatula to spread it into all the corners.

The cake needs about 25-30 minutes in the oven. I’ve learned not to rely solely on timing – I always insert a toothpick in the center, and when it comes out clean, I know it’s perfect.

While the cake still feels warm (but not hot), I let it cool for about 15 minutes. This timing is crucial – too hot and the pudding will just run off, too cool and it won’t absorb properly.

Creating the Cherry Infusion

While the cake cools, I prepare the cherry gelatin mixture. In a medium bowl, I dissolve the cherry gelatin in boiling water, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until completely clear.

After adding the cold water to the gelatin mixture and giving it a good stir, I set it aside for a moment while I prepare the cake.

Using the handle end of a wooden spoon (about ½-inch in diameter), I poke holes all over the cake’s surface, spacing them about 1 inch apart. I’ve found that making the holes slightly larger than a fork creates the perfect tunnels for the cherry flavor to penetrate.

Crafting the Perfect Cherry Symphony: The Final Touch of Culinary Magic

As a baker who believes that dessert is an art form, I’m about to guide you through the most crucial steps of our cherries in the snow poke cake. Each step is a brushstroke of flavor, transforming a simple cake into a masterpiece that will leave your guests in awe.

The gelatin is the secret conductor of this dessert orchestra. Carefully pour the vibrant cherry gelatin over the cake, watching it cascade into every carefully poked hole. This is where the magic happens—each crevice becomes a reservoir of fruity intensity, promising a burst of flavor in every single bite.

Patience is the baker’s most important ingredient. Cover the cake and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least three hours, or ideally overnight. This isn’t just waiting—it’s allowing the flavors to dance and intertwine, creating a harmonious dessert that tells a story with each slice.

When you unveil the cake, it’s like opening a culinary gift. Spread a cloud of whipped topping across the surface, creating a pristine white canvas. Then, artfully spoon the cherry pie filling on top, creating a vibrant ruby-red masterpiece that contrasts beautifully with the white background.

A Canvas of Flavor: Reimagining the Classic

Flavor Adventures Beyond the Traditional

My love for baking is all about creativity and personal expression. The classic cherries in the snow poke cake is wonderful, but why stop there? Think of the cake mix as your blank canvas, ready to be transformed.

Imagine swapping the white cake for a rich chocolate base—suddenly, you’ve created a black forest-inspired dream. Or try a lemon cake mix for a bright, zesty twist that brings a ray of sunshine to your dessert. For the drama queens of the baking world, a red velvet cake mix turns this dessert into a showstopper that’s as stunning to look at as it is to devour.

Each variation is an adventure, a chance to tell your own culinary story. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—it’s not just a dessert, it’s a playground for your imagination. Whether you’re a traditional baker or a culinary rebel, there’s a version of this cake that’s waiting to be discovered by you.

Beyond Cherries: A Culinary Canvas of Endless Possibilities

My journey with this cherries in the snow poke cake has been nothing short of a delicious adventure. What started as a classic recipe has become a playground of flavors, textures, and endless creativity. Let me share with you the art of transforming a simple dessert into a masterpiece that speaks to your unique taste and style.

Reimagining Toppings: Your Dessert, Your Rules

Forget the notion that cherry pie filling is the only way to crown this magnificent cake. Your imagination is the only limit! Picture a slice adorned with a vibrant strawberry filling, bursting with summer sweetness. Or perhaps a blueberry topping that brings a touch of elegance to your dessert table.

For the adventurous souls, why not sprinkle toasted almonds for a delightful crunch? Chocolate shavings can turn this cake into a decadent experience that bridges comfort and luxury. Each topping is a brushstroke, transforming your cake from a simple dessert to a personalized work of art.

The Art of Serving and Preservation

Serving this cake is an experience in itself. Chilled to perfection, each slice is a refreshing embrace of flavors. I love to elevate the presentation with a handful of fresh cherries scattered like jewels across the top, or a sprinkle of sliced almonds that adds a delightful textural contrast.

Storage is where the magic of patience truly shines. Wrap your cake carefully, sealing in the moisture and flavors. In the cool sanctuary of your refrigerator, this dessert doesn’t just sit—it evolves. The flavors meld and deepen, creating a more complex and harmonious taste with each passing hour.

A Sweet Farewell: More Than Just a Dessert

This cherries in the snow poke cake is more than a recipe—it’s a celebration of creativity, a testament to the joy of baking. Whether you’re preparing for a special gathering or treating yourself to a moment of pure indulgence, this dessert promises to be your faithful companion.

The beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a canvas waiting for your personal touch, a recipe that welcomes your creativity with open arms. So go ahead, experiment, play, and most importantly, enjoy every single bite of your culinary creation.