Do you love easy desserts? Then you’ll adore this Delicious Cherry Poke Cake Recipe! It’s sweet, moist, and full of cherry flavor.
This cake is perfect for parties and family gatherings. You only need simple ingredients to make it. The best part? It takes less than an hour.
Kids and adults both love this treat. Learning how to make Cherry Poke Cake is super simple. Even beginners can do it perfectly.
The cherry topping makes it extra special. Let me show you how to create this amazing dessert. Trust me, everyone will ask for seconds!
When I First Discovered Cherry Poke Cake
I found this recipe at my friend’s birthday party. The cake looked so pretty with red swirls. I took one bite and fell in love instantly.
The cake was soft and fluffy inside. The cherry flavor was everywhere in each bite. I asked for the recipe right away.
My friend said it was surprisingly easy to make. I tried making it the next weekend. It turned out perfect on my first try! Now it’s my go-to dessert for every occasion.
Equipment List
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (2 large ones)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Wooden spoon or fork for poking
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for spreading
Ingredients You Need for Cherry Poke Cake
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container whipped topping (8 oz)
- Fresh cherries for decoration (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F first.
- Grease your baking pan with butter or spray.
- Mix cake mix, eggs, water, and oil together.
- Beat everything for two minutes until smooth.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the cake cool for 15 minutes.
- Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes.
- Make holes all over the entire cake.
- Space them about one inch apart.
- The holes should go halfway through the cake.
- Open your can of cherry pie filling.
- Spread it evenly over the warm cake.
- Use a spatula to push filling into holes.
- Make sure cherries get into every hole.
- Let the cake cool completely in the fridge.
- Whisk pudding mix with cold milk together.
- Beat for two minutes until it thickens.
- Pour pudding over the cherry layer carefully.
- Spread it evenly with your spatula.
- Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set.
- Spread whipped topping over the pudding layer.
- Cover the entire cake completely and evenly.
- Add fresh cherries on top if you want.
- Keep refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Tips to Make the Best Cherry Poke Cake
- Always let the cake cool before adding pudding.
- This prevents the pudding from melting completely.
- Use a thick wooden spoon for making holes.
- Fresh cherries make the cake look more beautiful.
- You can use chocolate cake mix instead.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
- This helps all layers set properly together.
- Cover leftovers with plastic wrap tightly.
- The cake stays fresh for five days.
- Make it one day ahead for better flavor.
- The ingredients for Cherry Poke Cake are very affordable.
FAQs about Cherry Poke Cake
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cherries absolutely. Cook them with sugar to make your filling.
Q: How long does this cake last?
A: It lasts five days in the refrigerator. Always keep it covered with plastic wrap.
Q: Can I freeze Cherry Poke Cake?
A: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The pudding layer doesn’t freeze well at all.
Q: What other fruits can I use?
A: Try strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for variety. Any pie filling works great in this.
Q: Do I need an electric mixer?
A: No, a whisk works fine for everything. It just takes a bit more effort.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Poke Cake Recipe is truly amazing. It’s perfect for any celebration or gathering. The combination of flavors is simply delicious.
Your family will love every single bite. Making this cake is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps and you’ll succeed.
Now you know how to make Cherry Poke Cake! Try it this weekend and impress everyone. Happy baking, and enjoy your sweet creation!
More Amazing Recipes
- Martha Stewart French Toast Recipe
- Martha Stewart Blueberry Muffins Recipe
- Martha Stewart Egg Strata Recipe
- Martha Stewart Blueberry Muffins Recipe
Delicious Cherry Poke Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Mixing bowls (2 large ones)
- Wooden spoon or fork for poking
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for spreading
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container whipped topping 8 oz
- Fresh cherries for decoration optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F first.
- Grease your baking pan with butter or spray.
- Mix cake mix, eggs, water, and oil together.
- Beat everything for two minutes until smooth.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the cake cool for 15 minutes.
- Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes.
- Make holes all over the entire cake.
- Space them about one inch apart.
- The holes should go halfway through the cake.
- Open your can of cherry pie filling.
- Spread it evenly over the warm cake.
- Use a spatula to push filling into holes.
- Make sure cherries get into every hole.
- Let the cake cool completely in the fridge.
- Whisk pudding mix with cold milk together.
- Beat for two minutes until it thickens.
- Pour pudding over the cherry layer carefully.
- Spread it evenly with your spatula.
- Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set.
- Spread whipped topping over the pudding layer.
- Cover the entire cake completely and evenly.
- Add fresh cherries on top if you want.
- Keep refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Notes
- Always let the cake cool before adding pudding.
- This prevents the pudding from melting completely.
- Use a thick wooden spoon for making holes.
- Fresh cherries make the cake look more beautiful.
- You can use chocolate cake mix instead.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
- This helps all layers set properly together.
- Cover leftovers with plastic wrap tightly.
- The cake stays fresh for five days.
- Make it one day ahead for better flavor.
- The ingredients for Cherry Poke Cake are very affordable.
