If you’re a fan of fun, festive desserts that pack a flavorful punch, you’re going to adore this Cherry Vanilla Vampire Poke Cake Recipe. It’s like a party in your mouth with sweet cherry, smooth vanilla, and a playful Halloween twist that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I’ve made this for several gatherings, and honestly, every time it disappears faster than you can say “vampire fangs!” So, if you want a dessert that’s easy, eye-catching, and downright delicious, keep reading—I’m sharing all the tips to make it a masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy to Make: If you’ve got a 9×13 cake and some Jell-O, you’re more than halfway there!
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The cherry sweetness with vanilla frosting is a combo that always hits the spot.
- Eye-Catching and Fun: Whether it’s for Halloween or a themed party, this cake steals the show with its vampire fang garnish and sparkling sugar.
- Great Make-Ahead Dessert: You can prepare it the day before, giving you more time to enjoy your party or family time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a special role here. The white cake creates a perfect canvas for the cherry Jell-O to soak in, giving it that signature poke cake texture, while the vanilla frosting adds creamy richness. I always recommend using a good quality cake and frosting because they really shine through.
- White cake: A 9×13 homemade or store-bought white cake works best—it’s neutral, so the cherry flavor really stands out.
- Cherry Jell-O: This brings the juicy, cherry flavor and juicy moisture into every bite.
- Vanilla frosting: I love using homemade buttercream or a smooth prepared tub; it complements the cherry perfectly.
- Black and red decorating sugar: Adds festive sparkle and a little crunch on top.
- Cherry pie filling: For dolloping on top and extra bursts of cherry goodness.
- Plastic vampire fangs: Totally optional, but adds fun Halloween vibes if you’re in the mood!
Variations
I love that the Cherry Vanilla Vampire Poke Cake Recipe is so adaptable. I’ve switched things up depending on the season or occasion, and it always works out great. Feel free to make it your own and have fun with it.
- Fruit Choice Swap: Once, I swapped cherry pie filling for mixed berry pie filling, and my friends couldn’t get enough of the fruity twist.
- Frosting Alternatives: If you want something lighter, whipped topping works beautifully too, especially in warmer weather.
- Dietary Mods: Gluten-free white cake mix and sugar-free cherry Jell-O help make this dessert friendly for guests with specific diets.
- Decor Twist: Instead of vampire fangs, try candy eyeballs or edible glitter for a different spooky effect.
How to Make Cherry Vanilla Vampire Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Poke Those Perfect Holes
Start with your cooled white cake. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large drinking straw to poke holes all over the cake’s surface. I like to make the holes about an inch apart so that the cherry Jell-O seeps in evenly. This is a crucial part—go slow and make sure your holes go deep, but don’t push all the way through to the pan, or you’ll lose all that liquid.
Step 2: Mix and Pour the Cherry Jell-O
Prepare the cherry Jell-O with 1 cup boiling water and ½ cup cold water instead of following the box exactly. You want it a little stronger so it sets nicely in the cake holes without making the cake soggy. Pour this over your cake carefully, making sure to fill every hole with jiggly cherry goodness.
Step 3: Chill Out — Refrigerate Overnight
This step is where the magic happens: the cake soaks up that cherry liquid, becoming moist and flavorful. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, but overnight is best if you want the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate
Right before serving, frost the top generously with your vanilla frosting. Then sprinkle with black and red decorating sugar for a festive, slightly crunchy contrast. Dollop cherry pie filling across the top in little mounds. For a fun finishing touch, place plastic vampire fangs on the top of those cherry “dots” — kids and adults both love this playful look!
Step 5: Serve with Extra Cherry Pie Filling
When you plate each slice, spoon additional cherry pie filling over the sides so it drips down deliciously. This extra drip not only looks stunning but intensifies the cherry flavor with each bite. Trust me, guests notice the details like this!
Pro Tips for Making Cherry Vanilla Vampire Poke Cake Recipe
- Use a Sharp Straw or Handle: When poking holes, I found a smooth metal straw works better than wooden spoon handles because it slides in easier without tearing the cake.
- Don’t Skimp on Chilling Time: I tried serving it after just an hour once, and the Jell-O hadn’t set properly, so give it enough refrigeration for the perfect texture.
- Frost Right Before Serving: The frosting holds up best and looks freshest if you add it just before slicing.
- Avoid Overfilling Holes: Pour slowly and watch the cake absorb the liquid—you don’t want puddles pooling at the bottom of the pan.
How to Serve Cherry Vanilla Vampire Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for the classic black and red decorating sugars sprinkled on top because they add a little sparkle and make the cake look extra festive. The plastic vampire fangs are my go-to when I’m serving this around Halloween — they’re simple but such a fun crowd-pleaser. Sometimes, I add fresh cherries or a few mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This cake is so sweet and rich that I like pairing it with a light, tart side like lemon sorbet or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette. For a Halloween party, some themed cookies or pumpkin spice dip work well alongside it too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a Halloween bash, I’ve presented this cake on a tray surrounded by cobweb bedazzled with powdered sugar and scattered plastic spiders for that “vampire lair” vibe. Another time, I cut the cake into mini cupcakes in silicone vampire molds—such a hit with the kids! Layering it as a trifle with extra cherry filling and crushed cookies also gave it a fancy twist that wowed guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted and decorated, I store this cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors meld even better after a day or two. Just make sure to keep it covered so it doesn’t absorb other fridge smells.
Freezing
I’ve frozen slices of this cake un-frosted before poking and pouring the Jell-O. Just freeze the baked cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw completely before doing the poke and Jell-O step to preserve that perfect texture. Frosting doesn’t freeze as well, so I recommend frosting fresh.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you want to soften the frosting slightly, just let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. That said, the cake itself holds up wonderfully chilled!
FAQs
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Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O for the Cherry Vanilla Vampire Poke Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While cherry is traditional and really pairs well with vanilla, you can experiment with flavors like raspberry or strawberry for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust pie filling to match or complement the Jell-O flavor for the best harmony.
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Is it okay to use boxed cake mix instead of homemade cake?
Definitely. I’ve made this with both homemade and boxed white cakes, and both work well. Just be sure the cake is fully cooled before poking and pouring the Jell-O, so it sets properly.
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How do I make sure my cake doesn’t get soggy?
The key is pouring the Jell-O mixture slowly and using less water than the package recommends, so it’s a bit stronger and sets firmly inside the cake. Also, don’t poke holes too close together or too deep. Letting the cake chill overnight helps it firm up beautifully.
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Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! In fact, this cake gets better the next day. Just make the poke and Jell-O step in advance, refrigerate overnight, and frost right before your guests arrive to keep it fresh and festive.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how the Cherry Vanilla Vampire Poke Cake Recipe delivers that nostalgic, juicy, and creamy flavor combo with an added spooky flair. It’s one of those desserts that feels special but isn’t stressful to whip up, which I think every home cook appreciates. Whether it’s for a party, a family treat, or just because, I know you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. So go ahead, grab your favorite white cake, some cherry Jell-O, and get poking—you and your guests are in for a real treat!
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Cherry Vanilla Vampire Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (cake baking time)
- Total Time: Overnight chilling (at least 4 hours plus prep and bake time)
- Yield: 12 to 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Refrigerating with soaking (Poke Cake technique) and no bake/assembly for final topping
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Vanilla Vampire Poke Cake is a spooky and delicious dessert perfect for Halloween or any fun occasion. A moist white cake is poked with holes and saturated with cherry Jell-O, then topped with creamy vanilla frosting, festive black and red sugar, cherry pie filling, and plastic vampire fangs for a playful presentation.
Ingredients
Cake
- One 9×13 white cake (baked and cooled)
Jell-O Mixture
- One 3 oz box of cherry Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
Topping
- One tub prepared vanilla frosting (or homemade buttercream or 8 oz. whipped topping)
- Black and red decorating sugar, for sprinkling
- One can cherry pie filling
- Plastic vampire fangs, for garnish
Instructions
- Poke the cake: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large drinking straw to poke holes evenly over the entire surface of the cooled 9×13 white cake. This allows the Jell-O to seep deep into the cake, creating a moist texture and cherry flavor throughout.
- Prepare the cherry Jell-O: Dissolve one 3 oz box of cherry Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the mixture, which is 1/2 cup less liquid than the box directions, to make a firmer gel that soaks well into the cake.
- Pour Jell-O over cake: Slowly pour the prepared cherry Jell-O evenly over the surface of the cake, making sure some of the liquid seeps into every hole you poked. This ensures the cherry flavor is distributed inside the cake as it sets.
- Refrigerate to set: Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill overnight or for at least 3 to 4 hours. This allows the Jell-O to fully set inside the holes and enhances the cake’s moistness and flavor.
- Frost the cake: Right before serving, spread a generous layer of vanilla frosting evenly over the top of the chilled cake. You can use prepared vanilla frosting, homemade buttercream, or whipped topping as preferred.
- Add decorative toppings: Sprinkle black and red decorating sugar over the frosting to add festive colors and texture. Next, spoon dollops of cherry pie filling across the top of the cake, creating a juicy and vibrant garnish.
- Garnish with vampire fangs: Place plastic vampire fangs atop the cherry pie filling dollops to complete the spooky Halloween theme and add a fun visual touch to your dessert.
- Serve: Cut the cake into pieces and serve each slice with additional cherry pie filling that drips down the sides, ensuring a delicious combination of creamy frosting, moist cherry-infused cake, and sweet cherry topping in every bite.
Notes
- Use a white or yellow cake mix or homemade cake recipe for best flavor and texture.
- Chilling overnight allows the Jell-O to fully soak into the cake and enhances the chewiness and cherry flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute whipped topping for frosting.
- If desired, add a splash of cherry juice or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the Jell-O mixture for extra flavor depth.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking and adding Jell-O to prevent melting or overturning the gelatin.
- Plastic vampire fangs are for decoration only; remove before eating if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
