Step 1

Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

In a large bowl or mixer, beat cherry jello mix, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla extract into white cake mix until just combined, then pour into greased baking dish.

Step 3

Place baking dish in oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean.

Step 4

Remove from oven and let cool.

Step 5

Place crushed pineapple, with juices, and halved cherries in a large bowl and sprinkle pudding mix on top.

Step 6

Fold in frozen whipped topping and 1/4 cup cherry juice until smooth and combined, adding more cherry juice, if desired.

Step 7

Frost (cooled) cake and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until set.