Irresistible Cherry Almond Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Layered cherry almond poke cake brings a delightful twist to classic dessert traditions.

Sweet cherries nestle between soft, airy cake layers waiting to surprise you.

Almond essence weaves through each moist crumb, creating unexpected depth of flavor.

Delicate crimson fruit creates stunning visual appeal against pale cake background.

Creamy frosting adds luxurious texture that makes every bite memorable.

Simple ingredients combine in magical ways to craft this elegant treat.

You’ll fall in love with how easily this dessert comes together.

Grab a fork and prepare for pure dessert bliss that will impress everyone at the table.

Proper Storage for Cherry Almond Poke Cake

• Store the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it cool to maintain the whipped cream's texture and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its moisture and flavor.
• Do not leave the cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the whipped cream and potential bacterial growth. Always keep it chilled.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent the whipped cream from melting completely.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cherry Almond Poke Cake

• What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a dessert where you bake a cake and then poke holes in it, allowing additional flavors like fruit fillings or sauces to seep into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful treat.

• Why do I poke holes in the cake?

Poking holes allows the cherry pie filling to penetrate deep into the cake, distributing flavor throughout and making each bite more delicious and moist.

• Can I use a different type of pie filling?

Yes! While cherry works great, you can experiment with other pie fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry to create your own unique version of this dessert.

Why Cherry Almond Poke Cake Is a Showstopper

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This cherry almond poke cake transforms a simple boxed mix into a stunning treat that will impress family and friends with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different pie fillings or nuts to match personal preferences or seasonal variations, making this recipe incredibly versatile for any gathering.
• Quick Celebration Solution: Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or spontaneous dessert cravings, this cake requires basic ingredients and simple preparation steps that anyone can master.
• No-Stress Entertaining: Refrigerating the cake allows flavors to develop, meaning you can prepare it ahead of time and reduce last-minute kitchen stress during social events.

Ingredients Needed for Cherry Almond Poke Cake

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the foundation for this delightful dessert.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps create a moist and tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Adds structure and richness to the cake batter.
• Water: Helps combine the cake mix ingredients.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides a sweet and fruity layer that soaks into the cake.
• Whipped Cream: Creates a light and creamy topping that complements the cherry flavor.
• Sliced Almonds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.

• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Brings out the overall flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.

How to Prepare Cherry Almond Poke Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Bake The Cake Base

Grab your favorite boxed cake mix and whip up the batter following the package directions. Choose a classic white or vanilla flavor. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan and slide it into a preheated oven. Bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Create Delicious Holes

Once the cake has cooled slightly, take a fork or wooden skewer and gently poke holes all across the surface. Make sure the holes are evenly distributed and go almost to the bottom of the cake. These little tunnels will help the cherry filling soak deep into the cake.

Step 3: Drench With Cherry Goodness

Open a can of luscious cherry pie filling and slowly pour it over the cake. Use a spatula to help spread the vibrant red filling, ensuring it seeps into every single hole. The cherries will create pockets of fruity sweetness throughout the cake.

Step 4: Crown With Creamy Topping

Grab a container of whipped cream and carefully spread it in a smooth, even layer over the cherry-filled cake. Use gentle sweeping motions to create a cloud-like surface that completely covers the red filling.

Step 5: Sprinkle With Crunchy Almonds

Grab a handful of sliced almonds and generously scatter them across the whipped cream topping. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your already delicious dessert.

Step 6: Chill And Serve

Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it rest for at least one hour. This chilling time allows all the flavors to mingle and the cake to set perfectly. When ready, slice and serve this decadent treat that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Pro Baking Tips for Cherry Almond Poke Cake

• Hole-Poking Technique: Create evenly spaced, deep holes throughout the cake to ensure maximum cherry filling absorption and consistent flavor in every bite.
• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and allow the filling to completely soak into the cake's interior.
• Almond Crunch Boost: Toast the sliced almonds lightly before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the dessert.
• Whipped Cream Tip: Use cold heavy cream and a chilled mixing bowl to achieve the perfect whipped cream consistency that holds its shape on the cake.
• Dietary Swap: Replace regular whipped cream with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free alternative that complements the cherry and almond flavors.

Creative Variations of Cherry Almond Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Fruity Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix, using almond flour for enhanced texture and maintaining the original flavor profile.
• Vegan Cherry Delight: Substitute traditional cake mix with plant-based mix, use coconut whipped cream, and replace cherry pie filling with homemade cherry compote made from fresh cherries.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Almond Treat: Utilize sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free cherry pie filling, and Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for a healthier version with reduced calories.
• Tropical Cherry Variation: Swap cherry pie filling with crushed pineapple or passion fruit filling, and replace almonds with toasted coconut flakes for a different tropical-inspired dessert experience.

Pairing Ideas for Cherry Almond Poke Cake

• Savor Sweet Dessert Wine Pairing: Choose a luscious late-harvest Riesling that complements the cake's cherry sweetness and balances the rich almond notes, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.
• Create Contrasting Coffee Experience: Brew a bold espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the cake's sweetness, enhancing the nutty almond undertones and providing a robust counterpoint.
• Elevate Flavor with Liqueur Accent: Drizzle a small amount of amaretto or cherry liqueur over individual cake slices to intensify the existing cherry and almond flavors, adding depth and sophistication.
• Refresh with Sparkling Beverage: Serve chilled prosecco or sparkling rosé alongside the cake, its effervescence and light fruity profile perfectly cleansing the palate between bites.

Cherry Almond Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet layers of cherry almond poke cake bring Mediterranean charm to dessert tables with irresistible charm. Delicate almond-infused sponge soaked in cherry syrup creates a luscious treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 box white cake mix

Fruit Filling:

• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

Toppings and Flavoring:

• 1/4 cup almond extract
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) sliced almonds

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Instructions

1. Craft the cake base by following the packaged mix guidelines, utilizing a 9×13-inch baking vessel and ensuring precise oven temperature as directed.
2. After removing from the oven, create a network of perforations across the cake’s surface using a fork or skewer, puncturing deeply to maximize filling absorption.
3. Generously cascade cherry pie filling over the cake, methodically distributing the vibrant crimson mixture to penetrate each carefully crafted hole.
4. Delicately layer whipped cream atop the cherry-infused surface, creating a smooth, cloud-like blanket that complements the fruity undertones.
5. Enhance the cake’s visual and textural appeal by sprinkling a generous shower of sliced almonds across the creamy landscape.
6. Carefully transfer the cake to the refrigerator, allowing it to rest and meld flavors for a minimum of 60 minutes before serving, which will intensify the dessert’s overall taste profile.

Notes

• Customize the cake mix by using a white or vanilla flavor for a neutral base that complements the cherry and almond notes.
• Create deeper holes in the cake using the handle end of a wooden spoon for maximum cherry filling absorption.
• Toast the almond slices beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake’s texture.
• Transform this dessert into a gluten-free option by selecting a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 324
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg