Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is a delightful combination of light, fluffy cake, sweet maraschino cherries, and rich chocolate chips, all drenched in a creamy, luscious sweetened condensed milk sauce. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and indulgence. As the cake bakes, you poke holes in the warm layers, allowing the sweetened condensed milk to seep into every crevice, creating pockets of sweetness and flavor. Topped with Cool Whip, chopped maraschino cherries, and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce, this dessert is the perfect balance of fruity, creamy, and chocolaty goodness.

This easy-to-make dessert is ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday party, family gathering, or just a weeknight treat. It’s a showstopper that combines all the best flavors of a classic poke cake but with the added twist of cherries and chocolate chips. The moist, melt-in-your-mouth cake and the combination of flavors make each bite an absolute delight.

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines rich chocolate, fruity sweetness, and creamy textures, this Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is a treat that combines the best of both worlds—chocolate and cherries—in a simple and delicious dessert. With its moist, flavorful cake and creamy, gooey filling, this poke cake will quickly become a crowd favorite. The hidden pockets of sweetened condensed milk provide a burst of richness with every bite, while the whipped topping and chopped cherries add a refreshing contrast. Plus, the easy-to-make nature of this recipe means you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create something decadent. Whether served for a special celebration or just as a comforting weeknight dessert, it’s sure to please everyone.

this …

Ingredients

• 1 box (15oz) white cake mix (or vanilla)
• 3/4 cup (177ml) milk
• 1/3 cup (79ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (118ml) maraschino cherry juice, from a 10-ounce jar
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure almond extract (or vanilla)
• 1 1/4 cups (280g) mini chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons (18g) all-purpose flour
• 10 maraschino cherries, chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1 can (14-ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 container (8-ounces) Cool Whip
• 3 tablespoons hot fudge sauce, for garnish

Variations

While this Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is already a treat on its own, here are some ways to customize the recipe:

• Different Cake Flavor: Swap the white or vanilla cake mix with chocolate or strawberry cake mix for a different flavor base.
• Add Fruit: Incorporate other fruits like diced strawberries or raspberries into the cake for a fruit-filled twist.
• Nutty Topping: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Fresh Cherries: Instead of maraschino cherries, use fresh, pitted cherries for a more natural taste.
• Chocolate Ganache: Swap out the hot fudge sauce for homemade chocolate ganache for a richer, more decadent topping.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, maraschino cherry juice, egg whites, and almond extract (or vanilla). Mix until smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips

Toss the mini chocolate chips with the all-purpose flour to coat them evenly. Gently fold them into the cake batter along with the chopped maraschino cherries.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Poke Holes in the Cake

Once the cake has finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, using the end of a wooden spoon or a similar utensil, poke holes all over the cake, about 1-inch apart.

Step 6: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. The milk will seep down into the cake, creating pockets of sweetness.

Step 7: Top with Cool Whip

Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the cake to create a smooth, creamy topping.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the cake with the chopped maraschino cherries and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Poking the Holes: Be sure to poke the holes gently but deeply enough for the condensed milk to soak in. This ensures a moist and flavorful cake.
• Cool the Cake Slightly: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before adding the condensed milk to avoid it soaking in too quickly and becoming too soggy.
• Chill Before Serving: For the best results, refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Top with Ice Cream: If you want to make this dessert extra indulgent, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve

Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. Serve it as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an even more indulgent treat. Garnish with extra maraschino cherries and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake will continue to stay moist and delicious.

Freezing

While poke cakes don’t freeze as well due to the liquid-filled texture, you can freeze individual slices of the cake for up to 1-2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy this cake warm, you can microwave individual servings for about 20-30 seconds, but it’s also delightful when served chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can use a chocolate, strawberry, or any other cake mix flavor you prefer. Adjust the flavor profile of the filling and toppings accordingly.

2. Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Yes, you can use whole eggs, but the texture may be slightly different.

3. Can I make this cake without the maraschino cherry juice?

Yes, if you prefer not to use maraschino cherry juice, you can substitute it with regular water or fruit juice.

4. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, homemade whipped cream works perfectly as a substitute for Cool Whip. Just whip it to soft peaks before spreading it over the cake.

5. How long should I let the cake cool before adding the sweetened condensed milk?

Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before adding the sweetened condensed milk. This prevents the liquid from being absorbed too quickly.

6. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you may want to chop and pit them first. Keep in mind that maraschino cherries have a sweeter, more intense flavor.

7. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors meld even better when it sits overnight in the fridge.

8. Can I add other fruits to the cake?

Yes, feel free to add other fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, to the batter for a fruity twist.

9. How can I make the cake more chocolatey?

You can add more mini chocolate chips or even mix cocoa powder into the cake batter for a deeper chocolate flavor.

10. Can I skip the chocolate chips if I don’t like them?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of chocolate chips, you can leave them out or substitute with chopped nuts for extra texture.

Conclusion

Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the perfect mix of chocolate, cherries, and a creamy, sweet topping. With a cake base that soaks up sweetened condensed milk and is topped with Cool Whip and garnished with cherries and hot fudge, every bite is full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple family treat, this dessert will undoubtedly be a hit. Enjoy this decadent dessert chilled for the perfect balance of flavors and textures!

Print