Description
This Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is a moist and rich chocolate cake with juicy cherry syrup pockets and bursts of chocolate chips throughout. Topped with a smooth, creamy plant-based frosting, it offers a perfect balance of tart cherries and deep chocolate flavor. Simple to make and easily customizable, it’s a delightful dessert ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
Filling Ingredients
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional, for filling stability)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 batch plant-based frosting
- Optional: a splash of natural almond extract for flavor boost
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh cherries
- Chocolate shavings (natural)
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter: Mix the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions, substituting plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar (natural) for regular dairy and vinegar. Gently fold in chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake as directed on the package until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be moist but fully cooked.
- Poke the Cake: When the cake is slightly cooled but still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or chopstick to poke holes evenly across the surface. These holes will absorb the cherry filling for a luscious texture.
- Add Cherry Filling: Mix cherry pie filling with the natural gelling agent, if using, for extra stability. Gently spoon the cherry filling and chocolate chips into the holes, allowing the fruit and syrup to penetrate the cake.
- Frost the Cake: After the filling has settled, spread a generous layer of plant-based frosting evenly over the entire cake to complement the tart and chocolaty flavors.
Notes
- Use warm cake to poke holes easily and improve syrup absorption.
- Spread room temperature frosting to prevent crumbling and ease application.
- Chill the cake for at least an hour before serving to meld flavors.
- Adjust sweetness by adding natural powdered sugar to the frosting if desired.
- Level the cake with a serrated knife for a clean, polished appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, cherry poke cake, plant-based dessert, vegan chocolate cake, chocolate chip cake, cherry chocolate dessert
