Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake); 3 large eggs; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup vegetable oil (can substitute with melted coconut oil); 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped); 1/4 cup cherry juice (optional); 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix; 2 cups milk (can use almond or oat milk); 1 cup whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream); 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate); Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

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I love a poke cake because it feels like a simple, homey treat that still looks special. This cherry chocolate chip poke cake pairs sweet cherries with rich chocolate in every bite. If you enjoy other cherry desserts, try a chocolate cherry bundt cake for a different shape and style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake mixes easy store-bought items with fresh touches to make a dessert that many people love. It stays soft, so each forkful has cake, cherry, pudding, and cream. If you like mix-and-match desserts, this recipe gives the same fun feel as a chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake but with cherry and chocolate.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

You make this cake in a few clear steps: bake, poke, fill, top, and chill. You can use boxed cake mix to save time or make your own from scratch. For a tip on layering and filling that works well in many desserts, see a detailed chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake recipe for ideas on texture and timing.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake)
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil (can substitute with melted coconut oil for a tropical twist)

For the Cherry Filling:

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
1/4 cup cherry juice (optional, for added flavor)

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk (can use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option)

For Topping:

1 cup whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate)
Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

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After you gather the ingredients, set a large bowl and a 9×13 pan nearby. If you want more dessert ideas that use similar layers, check a different take on a chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake for inspiration.

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Poke the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make sure to space the holes about 1 inch apart.

Step 4: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the cherry pie filling with cherry juice (if using). Pour the cherry filling evenly over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Pudding
In another bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Spread the pudding layer over the cherry filling, smoothing it out evenly.

Step 6: Add the Topping
Spread the whipped topping over the pudding layer. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top for an added crunch. For a decorative touch, garnish with fresh cherries.

Step 7: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of cherry and chocolate!

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

Serve the cake cold, cut into squares. Add a fresh cherry on each piece for a pretty touch. You can also let each person add more whipped cream or extra chocolate chips at the table. The cake shines with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

How to Store Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

Keep the cake in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it well and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Note that whipped topping may change texture a bit after freezing, so fresh topping may work best after thaw.

Tips for the Best Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

Use room temperature eggs and milk so the batter mixes smooth.
Poke holes about 1 inch apart for even filling coverage.
Let the cake cool enough so the filling does not melt the pudding layer.
For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and dairy-free whipped topping.
For more ideas on chilling and serving layered desserts, see notes on a chocolate chip cookie ice cream cake.

Variations

Use fresh cherries cooked with a little sugar for a brighter cherry taste.
Swap cherry filling for raspberry or strawberry for a berry twist.
Add a layer of chopped nuts between pudding and whipped topping for crunch.
Make mini poke cakes by using smaller pans or muffin tins and adjust bake time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
A: Yes. Pit and chop the cherries, then heat them with a little sugar to make a thick filling. Let them cool before pouring over the cake.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use plant milk like almond or oat milk for the pudding and a dairy-free whipped topping. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips if you need a fully dairy-free cake.

Q: How long does this cake last in the fridge?
A: The cake stays good for up to 4 days when covered. The texture is best in the first two days.

Q: Can I make the cake ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make it a day ahead and keep it chilled. The flavors get better after a few hours of chilling.

Conclusion

If you want another tested version of this dessert with full step-by-step photos and notes, see this detailed Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake | Beyond Frosting.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

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Published:

April 14, 2026