Decadent Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Recipe

Luscious Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Recipe to Sweeten Your Day

Dessert enthusiasts seek the ultimate cherry chocolate chip poke cake that promises pure indulgence.

This moist, luscious treat blends rich chocolate with sweet, tangy cherries in every delectable bite.

Layers of soft cake absorb creamy filling, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Chocolate chips add delightful crunch to the silky smooth texture.

Each slice reveals a stunning swirl of ruby-red cherry goodness nestled between tender cake layers.

The combination of deep chocolate and bright cherry notes creates a dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this irresistible confection that will become the star of any gathering.

Tools for Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for baking and serving the cake.
  • Wooden spoon or fork: Perfect for poking holes in the cake's surface.
  • Mixing bowl: Needed for preparing the cake mix.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Whisk or electric mixer: Great for mixing cake batter smoothly.
  • Cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly after baking.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading whipped cream and evening out surfaces.

How to Prepare Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake with Ease

  • Warm Up the Oven Prepare your baking workspace by heating the oven according to cake mix guidelines. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  • Mix and Pour the Batter Follow the cake mix box instructions carefully. Gently transfer the smooth batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
  • Bake to Perfection Cook the cake for the recommended time, usually 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the cake rest and cool for about 10 minutes.
  • Create Delicious Holes Use a wooden spoon handle or fork to poke deep holes across the entire cake surface. These channels will help distribute the cherry goodness.
  • Drench in Cherry Goodness Generously spoon cherry pie filling over the cake, making sure the sweet mixture seeps into every hole. The filling will create a juicy, vibrant layer.
  • Sprinkle Chocolate Scatter mini chocolate chips across the cake, gently pressing them into the surface. The warm cake will slightly melt the chips, creating a decadent texture.
  • Crown with Creamy Topping Spread a smooth layer of whipped cream or whipped topping, covering the entire cake with a cloud-like finish.
  • Chill and Serve Decorate with extra chocolate chips and optional maraschino cherries. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors mingle and set before serving.

Tips That Elevate Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Flavor

  • Let the cake cool completely before poking holes to prevent crumbling and ensure clean, even holes for maximum cherry filling absorption.
  • Experiment with different chocolate chip types like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to create unique flavor profiles that complement the cherry sweetness.
  • Prepare this cake a day in advance to allow flavors to develop and enhance the overall taste, making it perfect for party planning or special occasions.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Dairy-free alternatives like coconut whipped cream can replace traditional whipped topping for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Replace store-bought pie filling with homemade cherry compote for a more intense, fresh cherry flavor that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Serving Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake at Its Best

  • Festive Party Platter: Slice the cake into elegant squares and arrange on a decorative platter with extra maraschino cherries scattered around for a stunning dessert presentation that will wow your guests.
  • Dessert Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk to complement the rich cherry and chocolate flavors, creating a delightful taste experience.
  • Sweet Brunch Showstopper: Add this cake to your weekend brunch spread as a decadent dessert that will impress friends and family, perfectly paired with fresh coffee or hot chocolate.
  • Romantic Date Night Treat: Create an intimate dessert moment by serving individual slices with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a single fresh cherry on top, perfect for a cozy evening at home.

Keep Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Fresh and Fluffy

  • Refrigerate the cake for 2-4 hours to enhance flavor fusion and create a refreshing dessert texture that helps ingredients blend perfectly.
  • Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its delicious moisture and taste.
  • Always serve chilled for the best taste experience, as cold temperatures help stabilize the whipped cream and intensify the cherry and chocolate flavors.
  • Prepare the cake one day in advance to allow ingredients to settle and develop a more robust taste profile, making party planning easier and more convenient.

FAQs

  • Is this cake difficult to make?

No, it’s super easy! You’ll use a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, making it perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a quick dessert.

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Pie filling works best because it’s thick and sweet. Fresh cherries might make the cake too wet and change the texture.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, your cake is done. Follow the cake mix box instructions for precise baking time.

  • What type of chocolate chips work best?

Mini chocolate chips are recommended because they distribute evenly and melt slightly into the warm cake, creating a delicious texture and flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Shine

For Cake Base:
  • Cake Mix: Select a vanilla or white cake mix for a neutral canvas that lets cherry and chocolate shine.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake foundation.
  • Oil: Ensures moisture and tender crumb texture.
  • Water: Helps blend ingredients smoothly.
For Filling and Topping:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Adds vibrant fruity flavor and gorgeous color; choose high-quality brand with plump cherries.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Creates delightful texture contrast; opt for semi-sweet chips for balanced sweetness.
  • Whipped Cream: Delivers light, airy finish; homemade or store-bought work perfectly.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Optional garnish that brings festive visual appeal.
For Complementary Additions:
  • Wooden Spoon or Fork: Essential for creating holes that allow filling to penetrate cake.
  • Baking Dish: Preferably glass or ceramic for even heat distribution.
  • Refrigerator: Critical for chilling cake and melding flavors together.
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Decadent Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Recipe

Decadent Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Delightful Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake combines rich chocolate and sweet cherries in a moist dessert. Chocolate and cherry fans will savor each creamy, indulgent bite that celebrates classic flavor pairings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15.25 oz / 432 g) chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup (250 mL) water
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 (14 oz / 397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (250 mL) heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 (21 oz / 595 g) can cherry pie filling
  • 1 (8 oz / 227 g) container whipped topping, thawed
  • ½ cup (90 g) mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven according to cake mix instructions and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  2. Cake Creation: Mix cake batter following package directions and pour into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Baking Process: Bake until a testing skewer comes out clean, adhering to recommended time and temperature guidelines.
  4. Surface Transformation: After brief cooling, puncture the cake’s surface extensively with a wooden spoon handle or fork, creating deep channels throughout.
  5. Flavor Infusion: Lavishly spread cherry pie filling across the cake, allowing the vibrant mixture to seep into the perforated cavities.
  6. Chocolate Embellishment: Generously scatter mini chocolate chips over the saturated surface, gently pressing to encourage slight melting from residual warmth.
  7. Creamy Topping: Craft a voluminous whipped cream layer, spreading it uniformly to create a smooth, cloud-like covering that completely masks the cake’s textured surface.
  8. Final Flourish: Garnish with an additional chocolate chip sprinkle and optional maraschino cherries for visual and flavor enhancement.
  9. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify before serving chilled.

Notes

Customize Cake Mix: Select a white or vanilla cake mix for optimal flavor absorption and lighter texture, enhancing the cherry and chocolate combination.

Perforate Precisely: Create uniform, deep holes across the cake using a chopstick or skewer for even cherry filling distribution and maximum flavor penetration.

Temperature Control: Let cake cool completely before adding fillings to prevent soggy texture and ensure clean, distinct layer separation.

Whipped Cream Stability: Stabilize homemade whipped cream by adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar or gelatin to maintain structure and prevent weeping during refrigeration.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 273
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 32 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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