There’s something magical about a Cherry Limeade Poke Cake, with its vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas that dance through the air. The moment you take a bite, the sweet-tart cherry flavor mingles with the refreshing zing of lime, sending taste buds into a delightful frenzy. Quick and easy appetizer Flavorful appetizer option You can almost hear angels singing in the background as each forkful melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced and utterly blissful.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is a poke cake?
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- How do I know when my cake is done?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This cake isn’t just a treat for your palate; it’s a memory-maker. Picture this: summer picnics, laughter ringing in the air, and friends gathered around as you unveil this masterpiece. The anticipation builds as they catch a glimpse of that gorgeous pink hue, eagerly diving into their generous slices. Trust me, it’s not just dessert; it’s an experience waiting to happen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cherry Limeade Poke Cake is easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers
- Its flavor profile is refreshing and unforgettable, with a stunning visual appeal that will impress any guest
- This cake is versatile enough to shine at birthdays or summer barbecues, ensuring it fits perfectly into any occasion
Sharing this cake brought smiles at my last family gathering—we couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boxed White Cake Mix: A convenient base that saves time while still delivering delicious results—just follow the instructions on the box.
- Fresh Cherries: Look for plump cherries; they add vibrant color and juicy sweetness to your cake.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens up the flavor; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it here.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds moisture and creaminess; don’t skip out on this one!
- Whipped Topping: Use cool whip or freshly whipped cream for that fluffy texture—it makes every slice feel indulgent.
- Lime Zest: A sprinkle of zest elevates the lime flavor—trust me, it’s worth the extra step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Orange Custard Squares recipe recipe.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure that glorious cake doesn’t stick. For more inspiration, check out this Banana Cake with Curd recipe.
Prepare the boxed white cake mix according to package instructions. Whip up those eggs, oil, and water until smooth—watch as it transforms from dry mix to creamy goodness! Pour the batter into your greased baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Creamy comfort food pairing You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.
Once baked, let your cake cool for about 10 minutes before giving it some love with a skewer or fork. Poke holes all over the top—this is where all that fabulous cherry-lime syrup will seep in!
In a medium bowl, mix together fresh cherry juice (or store-bought if you’re feeling lazy), lime juice, and sweetened condensed milk until well combined. Gently pour this mixture all over your poked cake while it’s still warm so that it can soak up every drop of flavor.
Allow the cake to cool completely—this may feel like torture but trust me; it’s worth the wait! While cooling, whip up your whipped topping by folding in some lime zest for an extra zingy kick.
Once cooled, spread that heavenly whipped topping evenly over the cake. You can decorate with fresh cherries on top or more lime zest if you’re feeling fancy! Slice yourself a piece and enjoy every burst of flavor as you celebrate your baking victory.
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt), store them covered in the fridge to keep everything fresh for days of enjoyment ahead!
Now go forth and create this Cherry Limeade Poke Cake masterpiece—your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- This Cherry Limeade Poke Cake balances sweetness with a zesty kick, making it a crowd-pleaser
- The texture is moist and fluffy, while the vibrant colors add visual appeal
- It’s perfect for summer gatherings or when you need a sweet pick-me-up!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking your cake according to the package instructions, then poke holes and pour the cherry limeade mixture over it for maximum flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherry pie filling for fresh cherries or use lemon-lime soda instead of limeade for a twist on flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store the Cherry Limeade Poke Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave briefly if desired.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a fluffier cake
- When poking holes, be gentle to avoid tearing the cake
- For extra zing, add lime zest to the icing for a refreshing finish
Creating this Cherry Limeade Poke Cake brought back memories of my childhood summers spent at backyard barbecues, where desserts like this ruled the dessert table. Refreshing summer salad
FAQ
What is a poke cake?
A poke cake is one where holes are poked in the baked cake to soak up flavors.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day ahead; just keep it covered in the fridge.
How do I know when my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cherry Limeade Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Cherry Limeade Poke Cake is a refreshing and vibrant dessert that perfectly balances sweet cherry flavor with zesty lime. This delightful treat not only captivates the eye with its stunning pink hue but also tantalizes the taste buds, making it an unforgettable addition to any gathering. Easy to prepare and ideal for summer picnics or birthday celebrations, this cake is sure to create lasting memories with every slice.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 2 tsp lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions, then pour the batter into the prepared dish.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the top using a skewer or fork.
- In a bowl, mix cherry juice, lime juice, and sweetened condensed milk until combined; pour over the warm cake.
- Allow to cool completely before spreading whipped topping mixed with lime zest evenly over the top.
- Garnish with fresh cherries or additional lime zest if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (105g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
