The Sweet Magic of Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Recipe

Sweet summer memories bloom with this cherry chocolate chip poke cake that promises pure dessert magic.

Childhood nostalgia comes rushing back through layers of moist chocolate goodness.

Creamy chocolate chips dance alongside bright red cherries in every delightful bite.

Unexpected bursts of flavor create a delectable surprise that catches everyone’s attention.

Cool whipped topping adds a dreamy cloud-like texture to each forkful.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary treat that feels like a warm hug.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake: A Slice of Heaven

• Burst with Flavor: Dive into a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and creamy toppings for a taste explosion.
• Stress-Free Baking: Follow simple steps using a cake mix and basic ingredients, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with a show-stopping cake that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery, yet is super easy to prepare.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cake in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making it ideal for potlucks, parties, or weekend gatherings.

Key Ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

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

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps the cake stay moist.
• Cherry Preserves: Provides a fruity, tangy flavor that complements the chocolate.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bursts throughout the cake.
• Whipped Topping: Creates a light and creamy final layer.

• Fresh Cherries: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished cake.

How to Build the Perfect Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to the temperature printed on the cake mix box. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Base

Whip up the chocolate cake batter following the package guidelines. Pour the silky smooth mixture into your prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 3: Create Delicious Holes

Once the cake comes out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Take the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes across the entire surface of the warm cake.

Step 4: Prepare Cherry Drench

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Cherry preserves

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Soak the Cake

Pour the cherry-milk mixture over the warm cake. Use a spatula to help the liquid seep into all the holes, ensuring every bite will be juicy and flavorful.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Charm

Sprinkle chocolate chips generously across the cake’s surface. These little morsels will add delightful crunch and extra sweetness.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. This helps the flavors meld and the texture settle.

Step 8: Whip on the Topping

Spread a luscious layer of whipped topping over the entire cake, creating a cloud-like covering that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 9: Chill and Enhance

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting period allows all the flavors to develop and the cake to become wonderfully moist.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Before serving, optional: scatter fresh cherries on top for a pop of color and extra fruity goodness. Slice and enjoy your masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Ultimate Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

• Hole-Poking Technique: Create deep, evenly spaced holes to ensure the cherry mixture penetrates the entire cake for maximum flavor absorption.
• Preserve Selection: Choose high-quality cherry preserves with whole fruit chunks for a more authentic and rich cherry taste.
• Chocolate Chip Distribution: Sprinkle chocolate chips while the cake is still warm to help them slightly melt and integrate into the cake's surface.
• Chilling Strategy: Allow the cake to refrigerate overnight for the best flavor melding and a more set whipped topping texture.
• Fresh Cherry Finale: Top with fresh cherries just before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor contrast to the sweet cake.

Creative Variations on Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Chip Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free chocolate cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Delight: Substitute cake mix with vegan chocolate cake mix, use coconut condensed milk, and swap whipped topping for dairy-free coconut cream.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Cake: Use sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free cherry preserves, and sugar-free whipped topping for a diabetic-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Chocolate Cake: Replace condensed milk with almond milk condensed milk, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and opt for coconut whipped topping.

Perfect Pairings to Match Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

• Enhance Flavor Harmony: Pair this decadent cherry chocolate chip poke cake with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the rich chocolate and fruity cherry notes.
• Refresh with Beverage: Serve alongside a creamy cappuccino or espresso to balance the cake's sweetness and provide a delightful contrast in temperature and taste.
• Complement with Texture: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a luxurious dessert experience that elevates the cake's moistness and deepens its flavor profile.
• Elevate Dessert Plate: Garnish with a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings and a few fresh mint leaves to enhance visual appeal and add a subtle herbal undertone.

Storing Your Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Right

• Seal the cake in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove from freezer and let the cake defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best results, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to restore its soft, moist texture.

FAQs for Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Explained

• Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade chocolate cake recipe as a substitute. Just ensure the batter is similar in consistency to a boxed mix for best results.

• What if I can't find cherry preserves?

You can replace cherry preserves with cherry pie filling or strawberry preserves for a similar fruity flavor profile. The key is maintaining a sweet, fruity element in the recipe.

• Are chocolate chips necessary for this recipe?

While chocolate chips add texture and flavor, they’re optional. You can skip them or replace with chopped chocolate or chocolate shavings if you prefer.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent cherry chocolate chip poke cake invites dessert enthusiasts on a delightful culinary journey through rich, moist layers of chocolatey goodness. Sweet cherries and chocolate chips create a perfect harmony that will satisfy your deepest dessert cravings with each irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Filling and Topping:

• 1 (14 ounces / 396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Garnish:

• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) container whipped topping, thawed
• Fresh cherries (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven according to cake mix package and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with light grease.
2. Mix and bake chocolate cake following package directions until golden and springy.
3. Allow cake to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven.
4. Create multiple perforations across the cake surface using a wooden spoon handle.
5. Whisk sweetened condensed milk and cherry preserves into a smooth, vibrant mixture.
6. Generously drench the warm cake with the cherry-milk blend, ensuring liquid seeps into every puncture.
7. Scatter chocolate chips across the moistened cake surface.
8. permit cake to reach complete room temperature, allowing flavors to meld.
9. Carefully spread whipped topping in a uniform layer, covering entire cake surface.
10. Chill in refrigerator for minimum 2 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor integration.
11. Optional: Garnish with fresh cherries just before serving for visual appeal and extra fruity accent.

Notes

• Ensure cake mix is fresh and not expired for the best texture and rise.
• Use a wooden spoon handle with a smooth, rounded end to create clean, even holes without tearing the cake.
• For a lighter version, substitute low-fat condensed milk and sugar-free whipped topping.
• Gluten-free option: Replace standard cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, checking all ingredient labels carefully.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 338
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg