Description
This Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is a moist and easy-to-make dessert bursting with cherry flavor. A chocolate cake base is baked, poked with holes, and soaked with cherry pie filling before being topped with whipped topping, chocolate chips, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup, finished with fresh cherries for garnish. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful poke cake combines rich chocolate and tart cherries for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake Base
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients required for the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water) as per package directions
Toppings and Filling
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 tub whipped topping (such as Cool Whip, approximately 8 ounces)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Fresh cherries for garnish (about 10-15 cherries)
- Chocolate syrup for drizzle (about 2-3 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the chocolate cake mix box. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make and Bake Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions, which typically involves mixing with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake as directed on the box until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Poke Holes: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Pour the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps down into the holes for maximum flavor infusion. Spread gently with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cherry layer, fully covering the cake to create a creamy layer.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly on top of the whipped topping. Drizzle chocolate syrup in thin lines over the surface.
- Garnish: Add fresh cherries and extra chocolate chips as garnish to enhance the visual appeal and flavor.
Notes
- Allow the cake to cool slightly so the cherry filling absorbs properly without melting the whipped topping.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, use dark cherry pie filling or add a splash of cherry juice on top before the whipped topping.
- Whipped topping can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, best consumed within 3 days.
- This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature for the perfect texture.
