Looking for a dessert that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth? This Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is the answer! This moist, flavorful cake combines the rich taste of chocolate and cherries, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress.
What is a Poke Cake?
A poke cake is a simple, yet delicious dessert made by poking holes into a baked cake and filling them with a variety of sweet fillings. These fillings could range from jello, pudding, or even flavored syrups. The filling seeps into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful treat that melts in your mouth with every bite. In this Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake, the combination of cherry pie filling and chocolate chips ensures a delightful flavor fusion that will have your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients as per box instructions)
- 1 can of cherry pie filling
- 1 cup of mini chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup of whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for garnish
- A few maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake mix: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box and pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the cake: Bake according to the instructions on the box, typically 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.
- Poke the cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake. Make sure the holes are deep enough to allow the cherry pie filling to seep in.
- Add the cherry filling: Spoon the entire can of cherry pie filling over the cake, ensuring that the filling seeps into the holes.
- Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the cake, pressing them gently into the surface. The heat of the cake will slightly melt the chocolate, adding to the deliciousness.
- Top with whipped cream: Spread a layer of whipped cream or whipped topping over the cake to create a smooth, creamy layer.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for extra sweetness, and if desired, add a few maraschino cherries for a pop of color. Allow the cake to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving, so the flavors can meld together.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake
- Use a homemade chocolate cake: For an extra special touch, you can substitute the boxed cake mix with your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe.
- Experiment with fillings: While cherry pie filling works beautifully, you can try other fruit fillings like strawberry or blueberry for a new twist.
- Make ahead: Poke cakes are great to make ahead of time! They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for parties or potlucks.
- Add a dash of almond extract: To enhance the cherry flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is not only easy to make but also offers a perfect balance of flavors. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries creates a taste explosion that’s sure to leave everyone wanting more. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat after dinner.
With its soft texture, burst of cherry flavor, and rich chocolatey goodness, this poke cake is an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner or a special celebration, this cake will surely be the star of the show.
Conclusion
Next time you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s both simple and indulgent, give this Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake a try! The layers of chocolate cake, cherry filling, and whipped cream make for a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips for Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake
Serving Tips:
- Chill Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the cherry filling soak into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
- Garnish Creatively: Enhance the visual appeal by adding a few extra toppings such as maraschino cherries, additional chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a decadent finish.
- Perfect Portions: Since poke cakes are quite rich, serve smaller slices. You can even cut the cake into squares for easier portioning when serving at parties or gatherings.
- Pair with Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve individual pieces of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. The contrast of the cool ice cream with the moist cake is simply divine!
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store the leftover cake in the refrigerator to keep the whipped cream topping fresh and prevent the cake from becoming too soggy. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container.
- Shelf Life: The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. After that, the texture may start to deteriorate, and the whipped cream topping may lose its firmness.
- Freezing: If you need to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze the cake without the whipped topping. Simply cover the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight and top with fresh whipped cream and chocolate chips just before serving.
- Avoid Freezing Whipped Cream: While the cake itself freezes well, the whipped topping may lose its texture once frozen and thawed. It’s best to freeze just the cake and add the whipped cream topping fresh when ready to serve.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake for days after baking while keeping it as delicious and fresh as when it was first made!
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this poke cake?
Yes, you can! While a chocolate cake mix works wonderfully with the cherry filling, you can experiment with other cake flavors like vanilla, strawberry, or even red velvet. Each variation will offer a unique twist to the flavor combination, so feel free to get creative!
2. Can I make this cake without whipped topping?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option, you can replace the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream. Simply whip heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. You can also skip the topping altogether for a less creamy cake.
3. How can I make the cake more indulgent?
For an even more indulgent cake, try adding a layer of chocolate fudge or ganache on top before spreading the whipped cream. You can also drizzle extra chocolate syrup or caramel sauce over the cake when serving for an extra sweet touch.
4. Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Yes, the Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better after being refrigerated for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Simply make the cake, refrigerate, and add the whipped topping just before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or special events!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is a decadent dessert made with a moist chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, and creamy whipped topping. Chocolate chips sprinkled throughout add extra indulgence, making it perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
Serves 12-16:
- For the cake:
- 1 (15.25 oz / 432 g) box chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients needed for the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water as directed on the package)
- 1 (14 oz / 397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream or whole milk
- For the topping:
- 1 (21 oz / 595 g) can cherry pie filling
- 1 (8 oz / 227 g) container whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 cup (90 g) mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Bake the cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions. Bake as directed, then allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Poke the cake:
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
- Add the condensed milk:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream or milk. Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Add the cherry pie filling:
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake, covering the surface.
- Add the whipped topping:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cherry layer.
- Garnish with chocolate chips:
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the whipped topping for a finishing touch.
- Chill and serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled. Slice and serve cold.
Notes
- For extra chocolate flavor, drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped topping before serving.
- Swap cherry pie filling for strawberry or raspberry filling for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.