Description

Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake is a moist and tender dessert featuring soft cake layers infused with luscious cherry filling and studded with dairy (plant-based) chocolate chips. The poke cake technique creates evenly distributed pockets of rich cherry syrup inside, blending fruity freshness with rich chocolate bursts. Perfect for casual get-togethers or special celebrations, this easy-to-make cake delivers delightful flavors, customizable options, and a stunning presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup non-dairy milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
½ cup dairy (plant-based) chocolate chips

Filling Ingredients

1 can cherry filling
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Optional Ingredients for Variations and Toppings

Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (for spiced cherry variation)
1 teaspoon almond essence (natural)
Mixed berries (blueberries or raspberries) to substitute some cherries
Dairy (plant-based) chocolate ganache for topping
Whipped coconut cream for topping
Extra dairy (plant-based) chocolate chips or fresh cherries for garnish
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (optional, for glaze or sauce variations)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder until combined. In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract (natural). Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Stir in the dairy (plant-based) chocolate chips gently to evenly distribute.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly.
Create the Poke Pattern: While the cake is still warm but cooled enough to handle, use the handle of a wooden spoon or similar kitchen tool to poke evenly spaced holes all across the surface, making sure the holes are deep enough to allow cherry filling to seep in thoroughly.
Add the Cherry Filling: Warm the cherry filling with the natural gelling agent on low heat until smooth and thickened. Spoon the cherry filling and syrup generously into each hole, allowing the liquid to sink deep into the cake layers for a signature poke cake effect.
Chill and Set: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 to 3 hours, or overnight, to allow the cherry filling to fully soak into the cake and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Optional Topping: Before serving, optionally spread a light layer of dairy (plant-based) frosting or whipped coconut cream on top. Garnish with extra dairy (plant-based) chocolate chips or fresh cherries for a decorative and flavorful finish.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and even baking.
Make sure to poke holes deep enough for the cherry filling to penetrate well.
Warm cherry filling slightly before pouring to improve absorption.
Chill the cake adequately to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
Choose high-quality dairy (plant-based) chocolate chips with rich cocoa content for the best flavor balance.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of cake)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: poka cake, cherry dessert, chocolate chip cake, plant-based chocolate, non-dairy cake, fruit poke cake, easy poke cake, moist cake