Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines the classic flavors of cherries and chocolate in a moist, flavorful cake. This cake is perfect for any celebration or as a special treat to enjoy with family and friends. The maraschino cherry juice and almond extract add a unique twist, while the sweetened condensed milk poured over the cake ensures it remains moist and delicious. Topped with Cool Whip, hot fudge sauce, and maraschino cherries, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 large egg whites: Adds structure and lightness to the cake.
- ¾ cup (177 ml) milk: Provides moisture and a tender crumb.
- ⅓ cup (79 ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist.
- 1 box (15 oz) white cake mix (or vanilla): The base for the cake, making preparation quick and easy.
- ½ cup (118 ml) maraschino cherry juice (from a 10-ounce jar): Adds a unique cherry flavor and color.
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure almond extract (or vanilla): Enhances the flavor with a subtle almond or vanilla note.
- 1 ¼ cups (280 g) mini chocolate chips: Adds bursts of chocolate throughout the cake.
- 2 tablespoons (18 g) all-purpose flour: Coats the chocolate chips to prevent them from sinking.
- 10 maraschino cherries, chopped, plus more for garnish: Adds cherry flavor and texture to the cake.
For the Topping:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk: Makes the cake extra moist and sweet.
- 1 container (8 ounces) Cool Whip: Provides a light, fluffy topping.
- 3 tablespoons hot fudge sauce, for garnish: Adds a rich chocolate drizzle.
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, cherry juice, egg whites, and almond extract. Beat until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
- In a small plastic bag, toss the mini chocolate chips with flour to coat. This helps to keep them evenly distributed in the batter and prevents them from sinking.
- Fold the coated chocolate chips and chopped cherries into the batter, reserving some chocolate chips for topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Poke and Top the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a small round object to poke holes all over the top of the cake. This will allow the sweetened condensed milk to seep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes evenly.
- Spread the Cool Whip over the top of the cake, covering it completely.
- Drizzle with hot fudge sauce and garnish with additional maraschino cherries for a decorative finish.
Serving
Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is best served chilled. It makes a perfect dessert for parties, potlucks, or any special occasion. The combination of the moist cake, creamy Cool Whip topping, and rich hot fudge sauce will delight your taste buds. Serve slices with additional hot fudge sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Cherry Juice: The maraschino cherry juice not only adds flavor but also gives the cake a light pink hue. If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, you can add a few drops of cherry extract.
- Chocolate Chips: Tossing the chocolate chips in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. You can also use regular-sized chocolate chips or chunks if you prefer.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake will stay moist and delicious, and the flavors will meld even more over time.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake before adding the Cool Whip topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before topping and serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, you can use vanilla, yellow, or even chocolate cake mix if you prefer. Each will give the cake a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? Fresh cherries can be used, but they will need to be pitted and chopped. Keep in mind that fresh cherries will not provide the same level of sweetness and color as maraschino cherries.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip? You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute for Cool Whip. Beat 1 ½ cups of heavy cream with ¼ cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming too soggy? Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes and adding the sweetened condensed milk. This helps the milk to soak in gradually without making the cake overly soggy.
Can I add other toppings to the cake? Yes, you can add other toppings such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or chocolate shavings to customize the cake to your liking.
What if I don’t have hot fudge sauce? You can melt chocolate chips with a bit of heavy cream or use chocolate syrup as a substitute for hot fudge sauce.
How do I know when the cake is done baking? Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and test again.
Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
What size pan should I use if I want to make a smaller cake? You can halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch pan. Adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness after 20 minutes.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips? Yes, dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer chocolate flavor. You can also mix different types of chocolate chips for added depth.
In conclusion, Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of cherries and chocolate in a moist, flavorful cake. Easy to make and visually appealing, this cake is perfect for any celebration or special occasion. With its unique combination of ingredients and textures, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious cake with your loved ones!