If you’re on the lookout for a crowd-pleasing dessert that practically shouts “party!” from the first colorful slice, you have to try Cherry Blasters. This playful poke cake is a mash-up of pillowy white cake, bright cherry gelatin, juicy maraschino cherries, and a snowy crown of whipped topping. Every bite packs in fruity flavor and a pop of cheerful color, making it a blockbuster favorite at birthdays, potlucks, and summer BBQs. With minimal prep time and simple pantry ingredients, Cherry Blasters is a must-make treat for anyone who loves a retro-inspired, fun-to-eat dessert with big cherry flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy it is to create something this irresistible with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one serves a special purpose: from the moist cake base to the cherry burst and fluffy finish. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why every ingredient matters:
- White Cake Mix: The blank canvas that soaks up the cherry gelatin and builds that soft, tender bite.
- Cherry Gelatin: Gives the Cherry Blasters their signature color and bold cherry flavor, plus the classic “poke cake” effect.
- Boiling Water: Crucial for dissolving the gelatin completely so there are no gritty bits.
- Cold Water: Helps cool down the gelatin mixture before it hits the cake.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice: Adds extra cherry punch and a pretty blush of color to every slice.
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries: Tiny flecks of chewy, candy-bright cherries in every bite for fun texture and extra bursts of flavor.
- Whipped Topping: That dreamy, creamy layer that balances out all the tangy fruit with light, sweet fluffiness.
- Extra Maraschino Cherries (optional): For over-the-top garnish and instant visual wow factor.
How to Make Cherry Blasters
Step 1: Bake the Perfect White Cake
Begin by mixing and baking your white cake according to the instructions on the package, using a 9×13-inch pan for best results. This will be the sturdy-yet-tender foundation for your Cherry Blasters, so try not to overbake — you want the cake just golden and springy so it can soak up all that flavorful cherry magic later.
Step 2: Poke Holes All Over
Once your cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and have a little fun: poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about an inch apart. This step is what makes poke cakes so special. These tiny tunnels are how the cherry gelatin mixture will seep deep into the crumb, creating pockets of vibrant color and flavor.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Cherry Gelatin
Dissolve the cherry gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water, making sure you stir thoroughly for a smooth, lump-free liquid. Add the cold water and maraschino cherry juice, blending them together. Pour this bold cherry mixture evenly over the poked cake — don’t rush, just let it slowly disappear into each hole, guaranteeing that signature burst of flavor in every slice of Cherry Blasters.
Step 4: Add Chopped Cherries and Chill
Scatter the chopped maraschino cherries across the top; they’ll nestle into the gelatin-soaked cake, giving each serving a little extra juicy surprise. Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!) to let the flavors meld and the gelatin set properly.
Step 5: Top with Whipped Topping and Garnish
When the cake is completely chilled, slather on a cloud of whipped topping, smoothing it corner to corner. If you want to go all out, dot the top with whole or halved maraschino cherries as a playful finishing touch. Your Cherry Blasters are now ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Cherry Blasters
Garnishes
The best garnish for Cherry Blasters is extra maraschino cherries placed right on top — there’s just something about those bright red jewels that makes each slice look irresistible. You can also add a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles, a shower of white chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of shredded coconut for an unexpected twist.
Side Dishes
Cherry Blasters are sweet and festive, so they pair well with lighter sides like fresh fruit salad or a crisp, citrusy green salad to cut through the richness. For true dessert lovers, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet to amp up the refreshment.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to turn up the fun, try slicing Cherry Blasters into cubes and layering them into parfait glasses with extra whipped topping and cherries. Or, make mini “blaster” cupcakes for parties — just poke, pour, and top each one individually. This cake is sure to be a centerpiece whether you slice it in classic squares or use cookie cutters for playful shapes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Blasters store beautifully! Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. The cake stays moist thanks to the gelatin, and the flavors often get even better as they sit.
Freezing
While you can freeze Cherry Blasters, it’s best to freeze without the whipped topping for the freshest texture. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add fresh whipped topping and cherries when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Cherry Blasters are best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, so no reheating required! If you find the cake too firm after chilling, just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore its soft, fluffy bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for Cherry Blasters?
Absolutely! While white cake makes for the prettiest presentation and lets the cherry flavor shine, yellow or even chocolate cake mix will work and offer their own unique spin. Have fun experimenting!
Do I have to use maraschino cherries?
Maraschino cherries give Cherry Blasters their signature look and flavor, but if you prefer, you can substitute chopped fresh cherries (when in season) or try canned cherries for a softer texture and natural sweetness.
Can I make Cherry Blasters in advance?
Yes, Cherry Blasters is the ultimate make-ahead dessert! It actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it the night before your event for best results.
Is it possible to make Cherry Blasters dairy-free?
Absolutely — just use a dairy-free whipped topping (some are coconut-based) and double-check your cake mix for any milk ingredients if you need to avoid dairy entirely.
How do I keep the whipped topping from getting watery?
To keep your whipped topping fluffy, spread it on just before serving and be sure the cake is fully chilled first. If storing leftovers, cover tightly to minimize condensation in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Blasters are pure nostalgia and joy on a plate, and I can’t recommend them enough for any occasion that needs a little cheer. Their easy prep, show-stopping color, and craveable cherry flavor make them a reliable hit with kids and adults alike. Give this recipe a try and watch your next gathering turn a whole lot sweeter!
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Cherry Blasters Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Blasters is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of white cake with the tartness of cherry gelatin, topped with whipped cream and cherries. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
For the Cherry Layer:
- 1 (3 oz) box cherry gelatin (like Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
For Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Extra cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the Cake: Prepare and bake the white cake mix according to the package directions in a 9×13-inch pan. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
- Prepare the Cherry Layer: In a bowl, dissolve the cherry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir in the cold water and cherry juice. Carefully pour the liquid over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Sprinkle the chopped cherries evenly over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Once chilled, spread the whipped topping over the entire cake. Garnish with extra maraschino cherries before serving if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a few drops of almond extract to the gelatin mixture.
- You can also make this into cupcakes by poking holes with a skewer and using less gelatin per portion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
