There’s something magical about a Cherry Jello Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that instantly brings back childhood memories. The soft, moist cake, the bursts of cherry flavor from the jello, and the creamy frosting make every bite a little celebration. Every time I make this cake, my kitchen smells like sweet nostalgia, and my family gathers around with eager smiles.
Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I first made this Cherry Jello Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for a summer picnic. I wanted something fun, colorful, and different. The kids were fascinated watching me poke holes in the cake and pour vibrant cherry jello over it. When they tasted it, their eyes lit up and that’s when I knew this cake would become a family favorite. Since then, it’s my go-to dessert for birthdays, potlucks, or whenever we want something extra special.
Every time I slice this cake, the cherries glisten like tiny jewels in the moist cake, and the cream cheese frosting melts in your mouth. It’s a simple dessert, yet it feels festive and full of love.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s playful, colorful, and so easy to make. The jello infuses the cake with flavor and keeps it perfectly moist, while the cream cheese frosting adds richness and tanginess. It’s the kind of dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face no matter their age.
It’s also incredibly reliable. Even if I’m baking for a crowd, this Cherry Jello Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting always turns out beautifully. The flavors meld perfectly overnight, so it’s even better the next day. I love that I can make it ahead and still impress my family and friends.
Most importantly, this cake brings joy. I love gathering my kids and nieces and nephews around the table, watching them giggle as they poke the cake with spoons, and enjoying every vibrant, sweet bite together.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s everything I use to make my Cherry Jello Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting absolutely perfect:
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 240ml buttermilk
- 1 packet (85g) cherry-flavored gelatin (Jello)
- 120ml boiling water
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 300g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
My Little Secrets
I always use room-temperature eggs and butter for a smooth batter. It helps the cake rise evenly and stay tender.
I dissolve the cherry gelatin in boiling water and let it cool slightly before pouring over the cake. This prevents the cake from becoming too soggy while still letting the jello seep into the holes.
I make the cream cheese frosting a little ahead of time and chill it. It spreads easily and sets nicely over the jello-soaked cake.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- I preheat my oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- I cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- I stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- I alternately fold in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, until smooth.
- I pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- I bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- I let the cake cool slightly, then use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top.
- I dissolve the cherry gelatin in boiling water, let it cool for a few minutes, and pour it evenly over the cake, letting it soak in.
- While the jello sets, I make the frosting by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- I spread the frosting over the chilled, jello-soaked cake.
The cake looks almost too pretty to eat the cherry jello seeps into the cake holes and makes it shimmer, while the cream cheese frosting is velvety and inviting.
How I Serve It at Home
I serve this cake in thick slices. Sometimes I garnish with extra cherries or a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings for a festive touch.
It’s perfect with a cup of tea, a glass of milk, or even on its own as a colorful dessert. At family gatherings, it disappears in no time the kids love it, and the adults can’t resist either.
For summer picnics, I like to chill it for a few hours so it’s cold and refreshing.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
I store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It lasts 3–4 days, and the flavors meld beautifully.
Because of the jello, I don’t recommend freezing this cake the texture of the gelatin changes.
This cake is perfect to make a day ahead. Prepare the cake, pour the jello, and chill it. Spread the cream cheese frosting just before serving for the best texture.
100-Word Short Version
This Cherry Jello Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is fun, fruity, and irresistibly moist. I bake a tender cake, poke it with a spoon, and pour cooled cherry gelatin over it to create colorful, juicy pockets. Cream cheese frosting adds richness and a smooth finish. It’s simple, playful, and perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or summer picnics. Chill before serving for the best results. This cake is always a hit, bringing smiles and cozy moments to my kitchen. Everyone loves it, and it’s one of my go-to, make-ahead desserts.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
250g unsalted butter
200g granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
250g all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
240ml buttermilk
1 packet (85g) cherry-flavored gelatin
120ml boiling water
200g cream cheese
100g unsalted butter
300g powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease 9×13-inch pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
- Fold dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk.
- Pour batter into pan and smooth.
- Bake 30–35 minutes.
- Cool slightly, poke holes with spoon handle.
- Dissolve gelatin in boiling water and pour over cake.
- Make frosting and spread over chilled cake.
📝 Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for best texture. Chill cake before frosting. Garnish with cherries or chocolate if desired.
🍽️ Nutrition
Approx. 350 calories per slice 🍒
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Cherry Jello Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Jello Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a fun, fruity, and moist dessert. Cherry gelatin seeps into the cake creating juicy pockets, while creamy frosting adds richness. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or summer picnics.
Ingredients
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 240ml buttermilk
- 1 packet (85g) cherry-flavored gelatin (Jello)
- 120ml boiling water
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 300g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
- Fold dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk into batter.
- Pour batter into pan and smooth top.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly and poke holes all over with spoon handle.
- Dissolve cherry gelatin in boiling water and pour over cake.
- Make cream cheese frosting and spread over chilled cake.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter. Chill cake before frosting for best results. Garnish with cherries or white chocolate for extra flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Conclusion
Making this Cherry Jello Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is one of my happiest kitchen experiences. It’s playful, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing. The kids’ laughter, the smiles around the table, and the sweet, fruity flavor remind me why I love cooking. I hope this cake brings warmth, joy, and a little magic to your home as it does to mine.