Few outside of the Carolinas have heard of Cheerwine, a wild cherry flavored soda born and made in Salisbury, NC, but they’re missing out. Its bright red coloring is unmistakable and its refreshing flavor has made it a quintessential part of summer.
Its sweet cherry taste is perfect for cooking and baking, which is why this poke cake is sooo good! Give it a try!
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix and accompanying ingredients
- 1 cup Cheerwine
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1 1/2 cups additional Cheerwine
- 1 (3-ounce) box cherry-flavored gelatin
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons liquid from Maraschino cherry jar
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Directions:
- Grease a 9 X 13-inch pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions, using the 1 cup of Cheerwine instead of water and stirring in chopped cherries.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for recommended time on cake box. Cool 15 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups Cheerwine to a boil. Remove pan from heat and stir in gelatin until dissolved.
- Use a straw or handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes in cake about every 2 inches.
- Pour gelatin mixture evenly over cake.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Using an electric mixer, beat heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and cherry juice until stiff peaks form. Spread the cream on top of the cake and garnish with cherries. Keep leftovers refrigerated.
Recipe and photo inspiration from www.spicysouthernkitchen.com
