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
Scale
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
