Moist & Sweet Cherry Poke Cake

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If you love desserts that are soft, juicy, and bursting with fruit flavor, this Moist & Sweet Cherry Poke Cake will steal your heart. A fluffy vanilla cake is generously soaked with rich cherry filling, then topped with a creamy cloud of whipped topping for a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistible. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, holidays, or simple weeknight treats, this cherry poke cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Filling & Topping

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
• Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions for Moist & Sweet Cherry Poke Cake

1. Prepare the Pan
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy release.
2. Mix the Batter
   In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Beat until smooth and lump-free.
3. Bake the Cake
   Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Poke the Cake
   Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Using a wooden spoon handle or skewer, poke holes evenly across the surface.
5. Add the Cherry Filling
   Spoon the cherry pie filling over the warm cake, gently pressing it into the holes so the juice seeps deep inside.
6. Chill to Set
   Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the cake to absorb the cherry flavor fully.
7. Finish with Topping
   Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Garnish with fresh cherries if desired.

Pro Tips

• Poke holes while the cake is warm—not hot—for best absorption
• Spread filling slowly to avoid tearing the cake
• Chill overnight for even deeper cherry flavor
• Use a clean knife between slices for neat servings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super moist texture in every bite
• Easy ingredients and beginner-friendly steps
• Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors
• Ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings
• Always a crowd-pleasing favorite

Substitutions & Variations

• Cake Mix: Swap yellow cake for vanilla or white cake
• Fruit Filling: Try blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berry filling
• Topping: Use mascarpone frosting or cream cheese whipped topping
• Extra Flavor: Add almond extract to the batter for a bakery-style twist

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

Prepare the cake up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.

Storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze without topping for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before adding whipped topping.

Reheating

Best served chilled, but can be microwaved for 15–20 seconds if preferred slightly warm.

Serving Ideas for Moist & Sweet Cherry Poke Cake

• Serve with vanilla ice cream or chocolate drizzle
• Pair with coffee, espresso, or iced tea
• Present in clear dessert cups for parties
• Add mint leaves or powdered sugar for elegance

Nutrition (Per Serving – Estimate)

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Sugar: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 280mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but cook them with sugar and cornstarch to create a thick filling.

Why do I need to poke holes?
The holes allow the cherry filling to soak into the cake, making it extra moist.

Can this cake be made for a crowd?
Absolutely. It yields 12 generous slices and is easy to double.

Is this cake better chilled or room temperature?
Chilled is best for flavor and texture.

Can I reduce the sweetness?
Use lightly sweetened whipped cream and a low-sugar fruit filling.

This Moist & Sweet Cherry Poke Cake is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable desserts. Juicy cherries, tender cake, and creamy topping come together in a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether for celebrations or everyday indulgence, this cake never disappoints.

Sweet Cherry Poke Cake (Ultra-Moist, Bakery-Style Dessert)

Ovalioekrg

This ultra-moist cherry poke cake features a fluffy vanilla cake soaked with rich cherry pie filling and finished with a light whipped topping. It’s an easy, bakery-style dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, and make-ahead entertaining.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• wooden spoon handle or skewer
• rubber spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 21 oz cherry pie filling
• 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
• fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat until smooth and lump-free.
• Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon handle or skewer to poke holes evenly across the surface.
• Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cake, gently pressing it into the holes so the juices soak in.
• Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the cherry flavor to fully absorb.
• Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Garnish with fresh cherries if desired before serving.

Notes

Poke holes while the cake is still warm for best absorption. Chill thoroughly before topping for the ideal texture. For deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight before serving.

Keyword cherry poke cake, easy cherry dessert, moist cherry cake, poke cake recipe

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