Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight is every bit as decadent as its name suggests—a swoon-worthy dessert that’s equal parts chocolatey and fruity, with a plush, moist crumb and dreamy clouds of whipped cream cheese topping. It’s the kind of cake that inspires wide-eyed happiness at first glance and absolute joy with each bite. The combination of rich chocolate cake, sweet maraschino cherries, and mini chocolate chips is so delightfully nostalgic that it always feels like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, a birthday, or “just because,” this recipe will become your new go-to for lighting up a room.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dessert comes together with simple, easily found ingredients, but each one really brings something special—whether it’s a deep cocoa flavor, sweet bursts of cherry, creamy frosting, or that irresistible hint of crunch from mini chocolate chips. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight, with tips for getting the best out of every component.

Chocolate cake mix: The shortcut to a fluffy, foolproof cake base, just follow the box directions for perfectly moist results.
Eggs, oil, and water: Essential mix-ins for the cake, these keep it soft, tender, and rich—don’t skimp on the eggs for extra moisture.
Sweetened condensed milk: Poured into the poked cake, it’s the secret to that signature poke cake “delightful gooeyness.”
Maraschino cherries: Chopped for bright tartness and color throughout the cake, plus a bit of reserved juice adds cherry flavor to every bite.
Mini chocolate chips: Scattered inside and on top for pockets of melty chocolate and a playful crunch.
Cream cheese: Softened to ensure a silky-smooth, tangy base for the luscious whipped topping.
Powdered sugar: Gently sweetens the cream cheese without any graininess.
Heavy whipping cream: When whipped and folded in, it creates pillowy, dreamy volume in your topping.
Vanilla extract: Adds floral sweetness and depth to the cream layer for a bakery-worthy finish.
Additional chocolate chips and whole cherries: The perfect final flourish for a dessert that looks just as amazing as it tastes.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a generous sweep of cooking spray or a light greasing with oil or butter. This not only ensures easy cake removal but also makes cleanup a breeze. Now is a great time to gather your ingredients so everything is ready when you need it.

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Cake

Follow the directions on your chocolate cake mix box, combining the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water in a large bowl. Mix until it’s smooth and lump-free—just enough to combine for maximum fluffiness. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake according to the package time, usually around 28–32 minutes. When a toothpick comes out mostly clean, your chocolate cake is ready!

Step 3: Poke and Soak

Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes after baking so it’s warm but not piping hot. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake surface, spacing them about an inch apart. Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it seep down into each hole—this is where the “delight” happens as the cake transforms into a moist, rich masterpiece!

Step 4: Cherry and Chocolate Layer

Drizzle about 1/4 cup of the reserved maraschino cherry juice across the cake, letting it further soak in for vibrant cherry flavor. Sprinkle the chopped cherries and about 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips all over, pressing them gently into the cake so every bite gets a burst of cherry and chocolate.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Topping

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth—no lumps here! Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly combined. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture for a topping so light and airy it’s almost a mousse.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Dollop the whipped cream cheese mixture over your cooled, topped poke cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring the luscious topping covers every corner. Finish with more mini chocolate chips and dot the surface with whole maraschino cherries for that show-stopping bakery look.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Pop the finished cake (still in the pan) into the fridge for at least 2 hours—or even overnight. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld and the topping to set to perfection. Slice, serve, and watch everyone swoon over your Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight!

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight

Garnishes

Garnishing is where the magic really happens. For Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight, finish each slice with a few whole maraschino cherries and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips right before serving. If you want to take it to the next level, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or even a ribbon of hot fudge for extra flair and a touch of luxury.

Side Dishes

This cake is such a star that simple sides are best. Pair each slice with a mug of strong coffee, a frothy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a playful sundae effect. A bowl of fresh berries on the table will bring a light, refreshing balance to the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling creative, serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight by cutting it into small squares and popping them into cupcake liners for an easy, festive dessert tray. For parties, try layering chunks of cake and topping in clear cups to create poke cake parfaits—they look stunning and add a playful spin to dessert hour!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight tightly covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, making this cake a great option for make-ahead entertaining.

Freezing

If you need to freeze the cake, slice it into individual portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. This preserves both the texture and flavor, and you can keep them in the freezer for up to a month. Just thaw slices overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight is best served chilled, but if you want a gooey, fudgy bite, you can microwave individual slices for about 10–15 seconds. Just remember, a quick zap is all it takes—any longer and the cream topping can melt.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade chocolate cake instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch chocolate cake recipe, feel free to bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and proceed as directed. The poke and soak method works beautifully with homemade cakes, too.

What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?

Regular chocolate chips work just fine, or you can chop a chocolate bar into small chunks for a rustic touch. Mini chips distribute more evenly, but any chocolate will bring a deliciously indulgent element.

Can I make Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert is actually better when made in advance, as the flavors have time to meld and the cake soaks up all that creamy goodness. Just keep it covered and chilled until ready to serve.

Is there a way to make this cake lighter?

You can use light cream cheese or reduced-fat whipped topping in place of the whipped cream layer, and opt for a sugar-free cake mix if desired. While it will alter the richness, you’ll still keep the signature flavors of Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight.

Do I need to reserve some cherry juice, or can I skip it?

The reserved cherry juice adds extra cherry flavor and a gorgeous hint of pink throughout the cake, but if you forget or prefer a milder cherry taste, you can omit it. The poke cake will still have loads of flavor from the cherries themselves.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight—it’s nostalgic, joyful, and completely irresistible. I hope you’ll give this decadent dessert a try soon. Your friends and family are in for a real treat!

Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Cherry Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Delight. This decadent dessert features a moist chocolate cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk, topped with a creamy cherry-infused layer and garnished with chocolate chips and cherries. A perfect treat for any chocolate lover!

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)

Topping:

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries (drained and chopped, juice reserved)
1 cup mini chocolate chips

Cream Layer:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

Additional chocolate chips and whole cherries

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare and bake chocolate cake according to package instructions.
Poke and Pour: After cooling, poke holes in the cake and pour sweetened condensed milk over it. Drizzle cherry juice on top and add chopped cherries and chocolate chips.
Cream Topping: Beat cream cheese, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip heavy cream separately, then fold into cream cheese mixture. Spread over cake.
Garnish and Chill: Garnish with chocolate chips and cherries. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For an extra decadent version, drizzle with hot fudge or chocolate syrup before serving.
This cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking, Chilling
Cuisine: American