Cherry Almond Poke Cake and other Macbeth Book Club Eats

I hosted a book club for Macbeth by William Shakespeare. It was really fun to make the treats for this book club. I made this cherry poke cake and called it "Out Damned Spot" cake, which I think is super fun. And the cake turned out to be really yummy on top of looking bloody, so yay! My kids also loved the leftovers of this cake and keep asking for me to make it again. Poke cakes are easy to adapt to whatever flavor you want. You could make it with chocolate cake to make a cherry chocolate poke cake or with orange jello to make a creamsicle like cake, the possibilities are endless. I really liked the little something something that the almond extract gave this cake. It was good.

Cherry Almond Poke Cake

1 white cake
ingredients on the box to make the cake
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 small box cherry Jello
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray. In a stand mixer combine cake mix, eggs called for on box, water called for on box, oil called for on box, and almond extract. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Pour into the baking dish and bake for 22-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes.

Combine jello and boiling water, stirring for about 2 minutes or until completely dissolved. Add cold water. Set aside.

Using a wooden skewer or large fork, poke holes all over cake, about every 1/2 inch. Carefully pour jello over the cake. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. After it is refrigerated frost with frosting below and sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Frosting:
8 oz tub Cool Whip, thawed
1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
sliced almonds, for topping

In a stand mixer combine Cool Whip and marshmallow fluff. Beat until mixed and fluffy. Spread over cake and sprinkle with almonds.

I kinda went overboard for my Macbeth treats. I had of course this cake, various candies in mason jars labeled with creepy names, a veggie tray, and Fresca labeled as "flying potion" and Diet Coke labeled as "bewitching brew". I love getting into book club eats! It makes me happy.