Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

Love cake? Imagine chocolate, cherries, and cream together in one sweet treat. Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is here to make your day.

This cake is soft, sweet, and full of flavor. Chocolate chips and cherry syrup make every bite better. It’s easy to make and perfect for any event.

Think of cutting into a cake that looks and tastes amazing. It’s so good, you’ll want more after the first bite.

Are you ready to bake this tasty cake? Grab the ingredients and let’s start!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is always a hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Simple to Make: With just a few steps and store-bought ingredients, you can whip up a show-stopping dessert.
• Delicious Layers: The combination of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream creates a symphony of flavors and textures.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish: For baking the cake.
• Mixing bowls: For preparing the batter and filling.
• Wooden skewer or fork: To poke holes in the cake.
• Spatula: For spreading the whipped topping evenly.
• Knife and cutting board: To chop the cherries.

Ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

For the Cake:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped

For the Topping:

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• Additional maraschino cherries for garnish

Variations for Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

• Use a Different Cake Base: Swap the chocolate cake mix for vanilla or cherry cake mix for a twist.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the whipped topping.
• Add a Liquor Infusion: Mix cherry liqueur into the sweetened condensed milk for an adult-friendly version.
• Use Fresh Cherries: If maraschino cherries aren’t your favorite, use fresh or frozen cherries instead.
• Swap the Chocolate Chips: Try dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the instructions on the box.
3. Stir in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package directions, typically 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

2. Poke the Cake

1. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Using a wooden skewer or fork, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake. The holes should be about 1 inch apart.

3. Add the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and chopped maraschino cherries.
2. Pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed.
3. Let the cake cool completely, allowing the filling to soak in.

4. Add the Topping

1. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake.
2. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top.
3. Garnish with additional maraschino cherries for a festive touch.

5. Chill and Serve

1. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Slice and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

This cake is a versatile dessert that pairs well with various accompaniments:

• Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• Hot Fudge Sauce: Drizzle warm fudge over each slice for added decadence.
• Whipped Cream and Sprinkles: Add a festive touch for special occasions.

Storing Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

• In the Refrigerator: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• In the Freezer: Freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
320	12g	48g	4g

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.)

FAQs About Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes! Homemade whipped cream works perfectly. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?

You can use regular chocolate chips or chop a chocolate bar into small pieces as a substitute.

Conclusion

This Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. With its moist cake base, sweet cherry filling, and creamy topping, it’s a treat that will impress your friends and family. Perfect for celebrations or a simple weekend indulgence, this cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Give it a try and let the compliments roll in!