Indulge in the ultimate combination of rich chocolate cake, luscious cherry pie filling, and light, creamy whipped topping, all studded with melty mini chocolate chips. This Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet weeknight treat. It's a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings decadence to your table with minimal effort.
This cake's magic lies in its poke-and-fill method. The holes allow the cherry pie filling to seep deep into the cake, creating irresistibly moist bites with bursts of cherry flavor. Top it all off with whipped cream and chocolate chips, and you have a dessert that looks impressive yet comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy dessert:
- 1 box (15 oz) chocolate cake mix: The base of the cake. A chocolate mix delivers a deep, cocoa-rich flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries. Follow the box instructions for required ingredients (typically eggs, oil, and water).
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling: This provides the sweet and tangy cherry flavor while keeping the cake incredibly moist.
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): A light and creamy topping that balances the rich chocolate and fruity cherries.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: These add a delightful texture and melty chocolate goodness to every bite.
- Fresh cherries (for garnish): Optional but adds a beautiful finishing touch to your cake.
- Chocolate syrup (for drizzling): A decorative element that enhances the chocolate flavor and makes the cake look restaurant-quality.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect poke cake:
1. Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your chocolate cake mix box.
- Prepare your 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
- Mix the cake batter according to the instructions on the box. Combine the mix with the eggs, oil, and water as directed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for the time specified on the box (typically 25-30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Poke Holes and Add Cherry Filling
- Once the cake is fully cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon, a thick straw, or a skewer to poke holes across the cake's surface. Aim for evenly spaced holes so the cherry filling can soak in thoroughly.
- Gently pour the cherry pie filling over the cake, ensuring the cherries and sauce fill the holes. Use a spoon to spread it evenly, if necessary. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb.
3. Top with Whipped Topping and Chocolate Chips
- Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the cherry layer. Use a spatula to smooth it out for a clean finish.
- Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips generously over the whipped topping.
4. Garnish and Serve
- For a beautiful presentation, decorate the cake with fresh cherries on top. Place them strategically for a pop of color.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup in a zigzag pattern across the cake for added flair and flavor.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld and keeps the whipped topping cool and firm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Boost the Cherry Flavor: Swap the chocolate cake mix for a cherry cake mix to enhance the cherry goodness even more.
- Garnishing Alternatives: No fresh cherries? Maraschino cherries work beautifully as a garnish.
- Refrigerate for Perfection: Chilling the cake before serving ensures the whipped topping stays stable and makes slicing easier.
- Add Texture: For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) over the whipped topping along with the chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is versatile and pairs well with other delicious treats:
- Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or a frothy cappuccino to complement the chocolate and cherry flavors.
- For a festive twist, add a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake combines convenience and decadence in one dessert. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you get a cake that's:
- Super Moist: The cherry pie filling soaks into the cake, making every bite tender and flavorful.
- Visually Stunning: Fresh cherries and chocolate syrup make it look like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
This Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake proves that you don’t need complicated techniques to create an irresistible dessert. With its rich chocolate base, sweet cherry filling, and creamy whipped topping, it’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether for a celebration or a simple treat, this cake is sure to impress.
Make it today, and let the compliments roll in! Your friends and family will adore this decadent yet easy-to-make dessert.