Zesty Cherry Lime Delight: A Refreshing Summer Poke Cake Recipe

Summer’s sweetest surprise bursts with tangy cherry lime delight poke cake that promises pure dessert magic.

Layers of moist cake infused with zesty citrus and luscious cherry flavors create an irresistible treat.

The vibrant combination of tart lime and sweet cherries dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious finish that makes this dessert impossible to resist.

Cool, refreshing, and utterly decadent, this poke cake brings brightness to any gathering.

Grab your mixing bowl and whisk – an epic summer dessert awaits your culinary creativity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 33 minutes

Total Time: 53 minutes

Calories: 181 kcal

Servings: 13

Cherry Lime Poke Cake: The Essentials

• White Cake Mix: Provides a light, fluffy foundation that perfectly absorbs the colorful Jell-O layers.
• Water: Helps blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly and create a consistent batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender with a soft crumb.
• Egg Whites: Adds structure and helps the cake rise beautifully while keeping it delicate.

• Cherry Jell-O, Lime Jell-O: Creates vibrant, refreshing color layers that soak into the cake, adding intense fruity flavor and eye-catching presentation.
• Boiling Water: Dissolves the Jell-O powder completely, ensuring smooth and clear liquid.
• Cold Water: Helps cool down the Jell-O mixture and set the right consistency for cake absorption.

• Cool Whip: Delivers a light, creamy blanket that complements the tangy Jell-O layers and provides a smooth, elegant finish to the cake.

What You’ll Need for Cherry Lime Poke Cake

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for preparing cake batter and Jell-O mixtures.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements for water and ingredients.
• Baking Dish: 9×13 inch pan for baking and setting the cake.
• Wire Rack: Helps cool the cake evenly after baking.
• Fork: Perfect for creating holes in the cake for Jell-O absorption.
• Whisk or Spoon: Needed for mixing cake batter and Jell-O.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness during baking.

How to Whip Up Cherry Lime Poke Cake in a Few Steps

• Oven Preparation Temperature and Pan Setup

Warm the oven to a cozy 350℉. Lightly coat the baking dish with a thin layer of grease to ensure smooth cake release.

• Cake Batter Creation

Blend the white cake mix following package guidance, combining liquid ingredients until silky smooth.

• Baking Process

Transfer the batter into the greased pan. Bake until a gentle test with a toothpick reveals a clean removal.

• Cooling Stage

Let the cake rest and cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack.

• Hole Punching

Gently pierce the cake’s surface with a fork, creating a network of tiny tunnels.

• Jell-O Magic

Whip up vibrant cherry and lime Jell-O mixtures using boiling and cold water.

• Liquid Infusion

Carefully drizzle alternating Jell-O colors across the cake, allowing liquid to seep into created holes.

• Chilling Transformation

Nestle the cake in the refrigerator, letting it set and transform for at least one hour.

• Creamy Topping

Spread a cloud-like layer of whipped cream across the cake’s surface.

• Final Chill

Return the cake to the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to settle overnight before serving.

Make That Cherry Lime Flavor Pop—Tips & Tweaks

• Prepare this cake a day in advance to allow flavors to meld perfectly and give the Jell-O time to fully penetrate the cake, intensifying the taste and texture.
• Top the cake with fresh cherries, lime zest, or crushed graham crackers to add visual appeal and extra crunch that elevates the dessert from simple to spectacular.
• Swap Cool Whip with coconut whipped cream or a dairy-free whipped topping to make this recipe friendly for those with lactose sensitivities or following a plant-based diet.
• For adult gatherings, splash a bit of cherry liqueur or white rum into the Jell-O mixture to create a more sophisticated and grown-up dessert that adds a subtle kick.

Serving Cherry Lime Cold and Sweet

• Serve with Zesty Garnish: Top the cake with fresh lime zest and a sprinkle of maraschino cherries for a vibrant, colorful presentation that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Create Refreshing Pairings: Complement the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance its cool, fruity essence and provide a delightful contrast.
• Decorate with Flair: Use thin lime slices or whole cherries around the cake's edges to create an elegant border that highlights the cake's bright, summery colors and flavors.
• Chill and Share: Serve the cake directly from the refrigerator for the most refreshing taste, making it a perfect dessert for summer gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations.

Fridge Tips for Poke Cake That Lasts

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store your Cherry Lime Delight Poke Cake in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Keep the cake covered to protect its delicate whipped topping and vibrant Jell-O layers.
• Maximize Shelf Life: This delightful dessert stays delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated properly. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial contamination and extend the cake's edible duration.
• Freezing Strategy: Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing for convenient grab-and-go treats. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Temperature Matters: Always serve chilled for the best texture and flavor experience. Remove from the refrigerator just minutes before serving to keep the Cool Whip firm and the Jell-O layers perfectly set.

Vibrant Cherry Lime Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delightful summer parties welcome this cherry lime delight poke cake with refreshing zest and sweet charm. Cool layers of citrus and fruit create a perfect dessert that welcomes cool palates and cheerful gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 egg whites
• ½ cup (120 ml / ½ cup) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 ml / 1 cup) water
• 1 (15.25 oz / 432 g) box white cake mix
• 1 (3 oz / 85 g) box cherry Jell-O
• 1 (3 oz / 85 g) box lime Jell-O
• 1 cup (240 ml / 1 cup) boiling water, divided
• 1 cup (240 ml / 1 cup) cold water, divided
• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) tub of Cool Whip
• ¼ cup (60 ml / ¼ cup) Christmas sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent adhesion.
2. Cake Mixing: Combine cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and egg whites, blending until achieving a velvety, lump-free batter according to package guidelines.
3. Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface, and bake for 29-33 minutes until a toothpick inserted centrally comes out clean.
4. Cooling and Perforation: Allow cake to cool completely, then meticulously pierce the entire surface with a fork, creating multiple channels for Jell-O absorption.
5. Jell-O Preparation: Dissolve cherry and lime Jell-O packets in boiling water, then incorporate cold water to create two distinct liquid flavors.
6. Jell-O Infusion: Systematically drizzle alternating cherry and lime Jell-O across the punctured cake surface, ensuring complete penetration into the internal cake structure.
7. Initial Chilling: Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing Jell-O to set and permeate the cake’s interior.
8. Topping Application: Spread a smooth, even layer of whipped topping across the chilled cake using a clean offset spatula.
9. Final Setting: Return the cake to the refrigerator and let it rest for an additional 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight, to achieve optimal flavor melding and texture.

Notes

• Precise Hole Technique: Pierce cake deeply and evenly with a fork to ensure maximum Jell-O penetration, creating perfect flavor channels throughout the dessert.
• Temperature Control: Allow cake to cool completely before adding Jell-O to prevent liquid from becoming absorbed unevenly or creating a soggy texture.
• Alternate Jell-O Application: Spoon cherry and lime Jell-O carefully to create visually appealing marbled color patterns and balanced flavor distribution.
• Chilling Patience: Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to develop optimal texture and allow flavors to fully integrate and set properly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 33 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 181
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg