Chocolate Cherry Poke Cake Or Vanilla Recipes

Steps:

• Prepare and bake the cake mix according to package directions in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
• Cool then remove the cake from the pan.
• Immediately poke holes down into the cake using a fork (holes should be at 1-in intervals).
• Cool cake completely.
• When the cake is cooked combine the Jello with boiling water until combined; pour the mixture over the cake.
• Top with pie filling, then cover with Cool Whip or whipped cream.
• If making the chocolate cake sprinkle grated chocolate over the top or chopped nuts (this is only optional).

Steps:

• Prepare the cake: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with olive oil.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder and baking powder until evenly distributed and no lumps remain. To a separate large bowl, add the 1/2 cup oil, eggs, milk, almond extract and salt and whisk until smooth, at least 30 seconds. Gently whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the last streak of flour disappears.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and tap gently against the counter to pop excess air bubbles. Bake until a skewer or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan.
• Microwave the cherry preserves in a small bowl in 30-second intervals or in a small saucepan over medium heat until looser and slightly liquidy. Spread the preserves evenly over the cooled cake.
• Make the frosting: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, cocoa powder and salt and pour over the hot water. Either by hand or with an electric mixer, whisk until smooth. Add the heavy cream and continue whisking until billowy soft peaks form. When you turn the whisk upside-down, a peak of cream should flop over slightly like a Santa hat. Spread the frosting over the cake and, if using, garnish with the cherries. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Steps:

• Place cakes, top sides up, in clean 9-inch round pans; pierce with large fork at 1/2-inch intervals.
• Add boiling water to gelatin mixes in medium bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Pour over cakes. Refrigerate 3 hours.
• Dip bottoms of pans in warm water 10 sec.; remove cakes from pans. Spoon frosting into medium bowl. Add COOL WHIP; whisk until blended. Stack cakes on plate, filling and frosting with COOL WHIP mixture.

Steps:

• Place cakes, top sides up, in clean 9-inch round pans; pierce with large fork at 1/2-inch intervals.
• Add boiling water to gelatin mix; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Carefully pour over cake layers. Refrigerate 3 hours.
• Dip bottoms of cake pans in warm water 10 sec.; unmold cakes. Fill and frost cake layers with COOL WHIP. Refrigerate 1 hour.