Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight Recipe
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If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and bursts with flavor, the Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight Recipe is your new best friend. This stunning cake combines moist chocolate layers with juicy cherry filling and pockets of melty chocolate chips, all topped with a light, fluffy whipped cream frosting. It’s simple to make but impressive in every bite, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart that brings smiles every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the rich chocolate cake base to the luscious cherry filling and creamy topping, creating a symphony of texture and taste.
- 1 box chocolate cake mix: This forms the rich, moist foundation for your dessert and saves you time without sacrificing flavor.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Essential for the cake mix, making sure the cake bakes up tender and light.
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling: The star that seeps into the cake’s holes, adding juicy bursts of bright cherry goodness.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips: Tiny pockets of melty chocolate that complement the cherry’s tang perfectly.
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping: Adds airy sweetness as the beautiful finishing touch.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped topping without overwhelming it.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the creaminess of the whipped topping and rounds out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup (optional): For a stunning drizzle that amps up the chocolate delight just before serving.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Preheat your oven as directed on the cake mix box, usually around 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan to ensure the cake won’t stick. Mix the cake batter exactly as the box instructs. Pour this rich batter into your pan and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This simple chocolate cake will be the perfect canvas for all the delicious toppings.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes—just enough to handle but still warm for the best soak. Use the end of a wooden spoon or a sturdy straw to poke holes all over the cake deeply but gently so it stays intact. These holes will act as little wells for the cherry filling to sink into, making every bite moist and fruity.
Step 3: Warm and Soak with Cherry Filling
Heat the cherry pie filling over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s pleasantly warm and spreadable. Pour it evenly over the poked cake, making sure it seeps into each hole, infusing the chocolatey base with juicy cherries. This step turns an ordinary cake into something downright irresistible.
Step 4: Sprinkle Mini Chocolate Chips
Scatter the mini chocolate chips over the warm cherry layer, encouraging some to sink slightly. The chocolate chips make each bite extra special by adding a lovely texture contrast and pockets of rich melted chocolate within the juicy cherries.
Step 5: Whip Up the Frosting
In a medium bowl, combine whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting turns smooth, glossy, and fluffy. This no-bake topping lends a cool, creamy layer that balances the warm cherries and chocolate underneath perfectly.
Step 6: Spread, Chill, and Finish
Spread your fluffy whipped topping evenly over the cake to cover the cherries and chocolate chips fully. Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight—this chilling step lets the flavors meld beautifully and firms up the cake so it’s easy to slice. Just before cutting, drizzle with optional chocolate syrup for a shiny, decadent final flourish.
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of fresh cherries on top can add a lovely visual and flavor boost. For a little crunch, chopped nuts offer an interesting texture contrast without overpowering the cake’s sweet harmony.
Side Dishes
This poke cake is so satisfying it can stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple dollop of freshly whipped cream to add an extra layer of indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in clear dessert cups to showcase the cherry and chocolate layers, or use decorative plates and a drizzle of chocolate syrup to make every piece look as delightful as it tastes. Adding a sprig of mint adds a fresh pop of color and sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for savoring the next day or two without any loss of flavor or moisture.
Freezing
If you want to save the cake for longer, freeze it uncovered for about an hour to firm up the whipped topping, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to enjoy that perfect texture and flavor.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t generally recommended. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let chilled leftovers sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to bring out the luscious flavors.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! Homemade chocolate cake works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the cherry filling without crumbling. The box mix is convenient, but homemade adds a personal touch.
What if I don’t like cherry pie filling?
You can substitute with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or raspberry for a different fruity twist. The key is a thick filling that can soak into the cake without making it soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, by choosing a vegan chocolate cake mix and dairy-free whipped topping, and checking that the pie filling doesn’t contain gelatin, you can adapt this recipe to fit vegan or dairy-free diets quite easily.
Is it okay to skip the chocolate syrup drizzle?
Definitely. The syrup is optional and mainly for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration. The cake is delicious without it, thanks to the rich chocolate cake and chips.
How far in advance can I prepare this cake?
Preparing it a day ahead is ideal because it gives enough time for the flavors to meld and the cake to set perfectly. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight Recipe that makes every occasion feel like a celebration. It’s simple, fun to make, and results in a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting. Trust me, once you try this cake, it’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delicious adventure—you’re in for one delightful treat!
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Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight is a luscious dessert featuring moist chocolate cake infused with sweet cherry pie filling and mini chocolate chips. Topped with a smooth whipped cream layer and a drizzle of chocolate syrup, it’s a perfect treat for gatherings and family celebrations, combining rich chocolate and bright cherry flavors with an inviting creamy finish.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Topping
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box (usually 350°F or 175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix and bake the cake: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the box instructions by combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and poke holes: Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Use the end of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, ensuring the holes are deep but do not break the cake apart.
- Warm cherry filling and pour: In a small saucepan, gently heat the cherry pie filling over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until warm, stirring occasionally. Pour the warm cherry filling evenly over the cake so it seeps into the holes.
- Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly over the cherry topping, letting some sink into the warm cherry filling for added texture and flavor.
- Prepare whipped topping: In a medium bowl, combine the whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy, then spread this mixture evenly over the entire cake, covering the cherries and chocolate chips.
- Refrigerate: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, allowing the flavors to meld and the topping to set properly.
- Optional drizzle: Before serving, drizzle the top of the cake with chocolate syrup for an extra layer of sweetness and decoration.
- Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this rich and fruity dessert!
Notes
- Using a warm cherry filling helps it soak better into the cake holes.
- For a stronger cherry flavor, allow the cake to refrigerate overnight.
- Mini chocolate chips are preferred for even distribution and better melting into the filling.
- Feel free to substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if desired.
- This cake is best served chilled but can be left at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for enhanced aroma.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and kept fresh for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
