Cherry Chocolate Chip Delight

This Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake transforms ordinary white cake mix into a decadent dessert that's both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. The bright red cherries and chocolate chips create a festive appearance while the sweetened condensed milk adds moisture and richness that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

I first made this cake for my daughter's birthday party when she requested something with cherries. The moment I pulled it from the refrigerator, everyone's eyes widened at its beautiful appearance, and it disappeared faster than any other dessert I've ever served.

Ingredients

• White cake mix: Forms the perfect blank canvas for our cherry chocolate masterpiece
• Maraschino cherry juice: Infuses the cake with natural cherry flavor and beautiful pink color
• Mini chocolate chips: Distribute better than regular chips for chocolate in every bite
• All-purpose flour: Coats the chocolate chips to prevent sinking during baking
• Almond extract: Enhances the cherry flavor with a subtle complexity
• Sweetened condensed milk: Creates that signature poke cake moisture and richness
• Cool Whip: Provides the perfect light topping that won't compete with the rich cake
• Hot fudge sauce: Adds dramatic contrast and intensifies the chocolate experience

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the batter:

Combine the white cake mix with milk, vegetable oil, maraschino cherry juice, egg whites, and almond extract in a large bowl. This substitution of cherry juice for water creates a naturally flavored and colored cake that smells amazing even before baking.

Add the chocolate chips:

Toss mini chocolate chips with flour before folding them into the batter. This crucial step prevents the chips from sinking to the bottom during baking, ensuring even distribution throughout your cake.

Bake to perfection:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for exactly 28-30 minutes. The cake should spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick should come out clean except for melted chocolate from the chips.

Create the poke effect:

After cooling the cake for 10-15 minutes, use a wooden spoon handle to create deep holes about an inch apart across the entire surface. These holes will become pockets of cherry-infused sweetened condensed milk goodness.

Add the cherry milk mixture:

Warm the sweetened condensed milk with chopped cherries until just heated through. The warm mixture will flow more easily into the holes and the heat helps infuse the cherry flavor throughout the milk.

Finish with toppings:

Spread Cool Whip in an even layer, then artfully drizzle hot fudge and sprinkle with additional cherries. The contrast of colors makes this cake truly Instagram-worthy.

The maraschino cherries are truly the star of this recipe. My grandmother always kept a jar in her refrigerator for special treats, and this cake reminds me of summers spent at her house where dessert was never optional. The bright red color against the creamy white topping creates the same joy I felt as a child seeing her special occasion desserts.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. Try using chocolate cake mix instead of white for an ultra-chocolate experience, or substitute the cherry juice with strawberry or raspberry puree for different fruit flavors. You can even add a layer of cherry pie filling between the cake and Cool Whip for extra cherry goodness.

Storage Tips

The cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The texture actually improves after the first day as the sweetened condensed milk continues to work its magic throughout the cake. If you want to freeze portions, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant dessert presentation, serve slices on chilled plates with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. At parties, cut into smaller squares for a bite-sized treat that allows guests to sample without committing to a full slice. This cake pairs beautifully with coffee or a glass of cold milk, making it perfect for dessert or an indulgent afternoon snack.

The History Behind Poke Cakes

Poke cakes gained popularity in the 1970s when food manufacturers were promoting convenient cooking solutions for busy households. The original versions typically used Jell-O poured into the holes, but modern variations like this one use sweetened condensed milk, pudding, or other creative fillings. This cherry chocolate version elevates the retro classic with fresh ingredients and sophisticated flavor combinations while maintaining the fun, approachable nature of the original concept.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different juice instead of maraschino cherry juice?

Yes, you can substitute maraschino cherry juice with a fruit juice of your choice, such as strawberry or raspberry, for a different flavor twist.

→ How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking in the batter?

Toss the chocolate chips with a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps distribute the chips more evenly.

→ Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream can be used as a fresher, less processed topping. Just ensure it's stabilized for best results.

→ How long can this cake be refrigerated?

This dessert can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time.

→ Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can use vanilla or even chocolate cake mix for a slightly different base, depending on your flavor preference.