What exactly is Chinese 5 spice? It's a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechwan peppercorns. Sounds a little strange to put in a cake, but you'll be happily surprised with its sweet-spiced flavor.

5-Spice Cherry Poke Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Place cake mix, 1 cup water, vegetable oil, eggs, and Chinese 5-spice in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on low speed until just combined. Then, beat at medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes or until light and fluffy.

Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake 23 to 28 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center of cake comes out clean.

In a medium bowl, pour 1 cup boiling water over black cherry Jell-O mix and stir to dissolve. Poke cake, using a fork or skewer, about every 1-inch, pushing about halfway through cake. Pour cherry mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Cool completely on a wire cooling rack.

In another medium bowl, beat together vanilla frosting and whipped topping until smooth and combined. Spread an even layer onto cooled cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

When ready to serve, cut into pieces. If desired, garnish each piece with a dollop of whipped topping, sprinkle of Chinese 5-spice, and a maraschino cherry.