The moment you take a bite of Easy Cherry Cheesecake Poke Cake, you can feel your taste buds singing in delight. This dessert is a delightful symphony of creamy cheesecake, fluffy cake, and bright cherry topping that dances on your palate. With its velvety texture and the sweet-tart burst of cherries, it’s like indulging in a party for your mouth. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert ideas recipe.
This recipe brings back memories of summer picnics and family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table, sharing laughs and stories over plates piled high with this delicious treat. Trust me, once you serve this Easy Cherry Cheesecake Poke Cake at your next gathering, you’ll see smiles and hear happy mmm’s all around.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy Cherry Cheesecake Poke Cake is simple to make and requires minimal ingredients
- Its rich flavors make it an amazing crowd-pleaser
- Visually stunning with its vibrant cherry topping, it promises to be the star of any dessert table
- Perfect for potlucks or casual family dinners, this cake is endlessly versatile!
I still remember the first time I made this cake; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how good it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Yellow Cake Mix: A classic base that keeps things simple; just add water, eggs, and oil according to the package instructions.
- Water: Use room temperature water for the best mixing results.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs work wonders for creating a light and airy texture in your cake.
- Cream Cheese: Soften it ahead of time to ensure smooth blending for that luscious cheesecake filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness without the grit; perfect for achieving that smooth cheesecake layer.
- Cool Whip: The secret to making your cheesecake light and fluffy; feel free to use homemade whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy!
- Cherry Pie Filling: Look for a brand with whole cherries for maximum visual appeal and flavor impact.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Cake Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix with water, eggs, and oil. Beat until smooth and pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Poke Holes in the Cake: Once cooled slightly, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Aim for about 20 holes to ensure each slice gets that delicious filling.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip gently until combined—this will create your dreamy cheesecake layer.
Add Your Filling and Topping: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the poked cake evenly. Finally, spoon cherry pie filling over top, ensuring every piece gets covered in cherry goodness.
Chill and Serve!: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together—trust me; patience pays off! Slice into squares and watch as everyone reaches for seconds.
Enjoying an Easy Cherry Cheesecake Poke Cake is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about reliving moments filled with laughter, joy, and delightful surprises. It’s perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to casual weeknight dinners—because who doesn’t deserve a slice of happiness? For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- This easy cherry cheesecake poke cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience
- The combination of creamy cheesecake filling and sweet cherries creates a delightful harmony of flavors
- Your guests will be singing your praises, or at least asking for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake and allowing it to cool completely before poking holes. Then, mix the cream cheese filling while the cake cools for a seamless flow in preparation.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for strawberries or blueberries. You can also experiment with flavored whipped cream to give it a unique twist that reflects your personality.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover poke cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Serve chilled, as it enhances the flavors and maintains optimal texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let your cake cool completely before adding filling; this prevents melting and ensures perfect layers
- Use a toothpick to create even holes for better absorption of flavors
- A splash of vanilla in the cream adds depth to the cheesecake flavor, making it irresistible
Baking this easy cherry cheesecake poke cake always reminds me of my family’s summer picnics. They couldn’t get enough of it, leading me to believe I should open a bakery!
FAQ
Can I use a different flavor cake mix?
Absolutely! Vanilla or chocolate cakes are excellent alternatives that pair well with cherries.
How long does this poke cake last?
When stored properly, it lasts about three days in the refrigerator without losing its charm.
Can I freeze the poke cake?
Yes, you can freeze portions, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Easy Cherry Cheesecake Poke Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Easy Cherry Cheesecake Poke Cake, a dessert that brings together creamy cheesecake filling, fluffy cake, and a luscious cherry topping. Perfect for any gathering, this cake is as visually appealing as it is delicious. With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, it promises to be a showstopper at your next event.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 21 oz cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, water, eggs, and oil per package instructions. Mix until smooth and pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Once cooled slightly, poke holes all over the cake using the end of a wooden spoon.
- Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth; gently fold in Cool Whip to create the cheesecake layer.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake and top with cherry pie filling.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for optimal flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (100g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: To customize your poke cake, try using strawberries or blueberries instead of cherries. For added flavor, incorporate a splash of vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture.