Champagne Cherry Poke Cake recipe

Confession time: I have a weakness for desserts. A major weakness. And while I appreciate the artistry of intricate pastries and elaborate cakes, sometimes all I crave is something simple, delicious, and utterly satisfying – the kind of dessert that brings smiles to faces and has everyone asking for seconds. Enter the Champagne Cherry Poke Cake. This isn’t just any poke cake; it’s a celebration in cake form! The light, airy vanilla cake, infused with the subtle elegance of champagne, and studded with juicy, bright cherries is already delightful. But then comes the magic: it’s poked full of holes and drenched in even more champagne-cherry goodness, creating a moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible treat. The final touch of whipped cream and extra cherries on top elevates it from everyday dessert to party-worthy centerpiece. I first made this cake for a casual summer gathering, and it was an instant hit. Guests were raving about the unique flavor, the incredible moistness, and the beautiful presentation. Since then, it’s become my go-to dessert for celebrations big and small. It’s incredibly easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time (a huge bonus for busy hosts!), and always delivers that wow factor. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both sophisticated and fun, elegant yet effortless, you absolutely must try this Champagne Cherry Poke Cake. Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such a bubbly, blissful dessert experience!

Ingredients: Your Shopping List for Bubbly Cherry Cake Magic

To create this delightful Champagne Cherry Poke Cake, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients. The star ingredients are, of course, champagne and cherries, but the supporting cast is just as important in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

For the Light and Airy Vanilla Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix: Using a cake mix makes this recipe incredibly easy and quick. Choose a good quality white cake mix for the best flavor and texture.
• 1 cup champagne or sparkling wine: This is the key ingredient that infuses the cake with its signature bubbly flavor. Use a dry champagne or sparkling wine for the best balance of sweetness. You can also use a non-alcoholic sparkling cider for an alcohol-free version.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake. Canola oil or another neutral oil works well.
• 3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the vanilla flavor of the cake and adds warmth.

For the Luscious Champagne Cherry Poke Filling:

• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling: Provides the sweet cherry flavor and juicy texture. Choose a high-quality cherry pie filling for the best results.
• ½ cup champagne or sparkling wine: Enhances the cherry flavor and adds another layer of champagne goodness. Again, dry champagne or sparkling wine is recommended.

For the Dreamy Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 pint (2 cups) heavy whipping cream: Creates a light and airy topping that perfectly complements the cake.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and helps stabilize it.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the whipped cream.
• Optional: Fresh cherries for garnish: Adds a beautiful and fresh touch to the finished cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Bubbly Cherry Masterpiece

Now for the fun part – bringing this Champagne Cherry Poke Cake to life! Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that’s sure to impress.

Making the Champagne Infused Vanilla Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for extra easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, champagne, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed until just combined, then increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
3. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Ensure the batter is evenly distributed for even baking.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
5. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly before poking.

Creating the Champagne Cherry Poke Filling:

1. While the cake is cooling slightly, prepare the poke filling. In a medium bowl, gently stir together the cherry pie filling and champagne. Combining these ingredients while the cake is still slightly warm helps the filling absorb better.

Poking and Filling the Cake:

1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. Make holes about 1 inch apart and go almost all the way to the bottom of the cake. The more holes, the more filling can soak in, resulting in an extra moist cake.
2. Slowly pour the champagne cherry mixture evenly over the poked cake. Make sure the filling seeps into all the holes and covers the entire surface of the cake.
3. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cake to fully absorb the champagne cherry filling and become incredibly moist and flavorful. Chilling also helps the cake set up for easier frosting.

Making the Dreamy Whipped Cream Topping:

1. In a large, chilled bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Chilling the bowl and beaters helps the whipping cream whip up faster and hold its shape better.
2. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or the whipped cream can become grainy. Stiff peaks mean the whipped cream holds its shape when you lift the beaters.

Frosting and Garnishing the Cake:

1. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Create swirls and peaks for a beautiful presentation.
2. Optional: Garnish with fresh cherries. Arrange fresh cherries on top of the whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
3. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. This helps the whipped cream stay firm and the cake to remain chilled.

Nutrition Facts: Indulge in Moderation (Per Serving)

While this Champagne Cherry Poke Cake is a delightful treat, it’s good to be mindful of the nutritional content, especially when enjoying desserts. Please remember that these are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.

Servings: Approximately 12-15 servings

Estimated Nutrition Facts per Serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Total Fat: 15-20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9-12g
• Cholesterol: 70-90mg
• Sodium: 200-250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40-50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
  • Sugars: 30-40g
• Protein: 2-3g

Important Note: This is a dessert and should be enjoyed as an occasional treat. The sugar and fat content should be considered as part of a balanced diet. Portion control is key to enjoying desserts in moderation.

Preparation Time: Plan Your Bubbly Baking Schedule

This recipe is wonderfully manageable, even with chilling time considered. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings.

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (includes mixing cake batter, preparing poke filling, and making whipped cream)
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling Time (Cake): 10 minutes
• Chill Time (Cake with Filling): Minimum 2 hours (ideally overnight)
• Total Time: Approximately 3-4 hours (including chilling time)

While the total time includes chilling, the active hands-on time is relatively short. You can easily bake the cake and prepare the filling in advance and assemble the whipped cream and frosting closer to serving time.

How to Serve Your Champagne Cherry Poke Cake: Presentation Perfection

This Champagne Cherry Poke Cake is beautiful and delicious just as it is, but here are some elegant and fun ways to serve and present it:

• Classic Slice: The most straightforward and satisfying way! Cut generous slices and serve on dessert plates. The vibrant colors and moist texture are visually appealing on their own.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar over the whipped cream adds a delicate sweetness and a sophisticated, snowy appearance.
• Fresh Cherry Garnish: Arrange fresh cherries on top of each slice or around the cake for a beautiful and flavorful garnish. Stemmed cherries add a touch of elegance.
• Mint Sprigs: Add a few fresh mint sprigs alongside the cherries for a pop of green color and a refreshing aroma that complements the cherry and champagne flavors.
• Champagne Flutes: Serve individual portions in champagne flutes or dessert glasses for an elegant presentation, especially for a celebratory occasion. Layer cake pieces, cherry filling, and whipped cream in the flutes.
• Berry Medley: In addition to cherries, garnish with a medley of other fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries for a colorful and flavorful presentation.
• Sparkling Sugar Sprinkles: Add a sprinkle of sparkling sugar or edible glitter to the whipped cream for extra shimmer and a festive touch, especially for New Year’s Eve or celebratory events.
• With Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Serve slices alongside a glass of chilled champagne or sparkling wine to enhance the bubbly theme and create a truly celebratory dessert experience.

Pro Baker Tips: Elevate Your Champagne Cherry Poke Cake to Gourmet Level

Want to make your Champagne Cherry Poke Cake truly exceptional? Here are five pro tips to take it from delicious to unforgettable:

1. Use Good Quality Champagne (or Sparkling Wine): The flavor of the champagne significantly impacts the cake. Choose a dry champagne or sparkling wine that you enjoy drinking. Don’t use “cooking champagne” – opt for something you’d actually serve in a glass.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Chilling Time: Refrigerating the cake for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, is crucial for allowing the champagne cherry filling to fully soak into the cake and for the flavors to meld. This chilling time is what makes the cake incredibly moist and flavorful.
3. Make Your Own Whipped Cream: While store-bought whipped topping is convenient, homemade whipped cream is far superior in taste and texture. It’s easy to make and elevates the entire dessert. Use high-quality heavy whipping cream and don’t overwhip.
4. Enhance the Cherry Flavor: For an even more intense cherry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cherry extract to the cake batter and/or the whipped cream. You can also use maraschino cherries, chopped, in the cake batter for extra cherry bits.
5. Get Creative with Garnishes: Don’t be afraid to experiment with garnishes beyond fresh cherries. Chocolate shavings, toasted almonds, a drizzle of white chocolate, or even a sprinkle of crushed amaretti cookies can add extra layers of flavor and visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Your Champagne Cherry Poke Cake Queries Answered

Got questions about baking this bubbly and beautiful cake? Here are answers to some common queries:

Q1: Can I use a different type of cake mix?

A: While white cake mix is traditionally used and recommended for this recipe to allow the champagne and cherry flavors to shine, you could experiment with other light cake mixes like vanilla or yellow cake mix. However, avoid chocolate or darker cake mixes as they might overpower the delicate champagne and cherry flavors.

Q2: Can I make this cake alcohol-free?

A: Yes, absolutely! You can easily make an alcohol-free version by substituting non-alcoholic sparkling cider or sparkling white grape juice for the champagne in both the cake batter and the poke filling. The sparkling cider will still provide a lovely bubbly flavor and sweetness.

Q3: Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

A: While you can use fresh cherries, it will require extra preparation. You would need to pit and cook the fresh cherries down with sugar and a thickener (like cornstarch) to create a pie filling consistency. Using cherry pie filling is a convenient and delicious shortcut for this recipe.

Q4: Can I make the whipped cream topping ahead of time?

A: Homemade whipped cream is best made fresh, but you can prepare it up to a few hours in advance. To help stabilize it, ensure you use powdered sugar and beat it to stiff peaks. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You might need to re-whip it briefly before frosting if it deflates slightly.

Q5: How should I store leftover Champagne Cherry Poke Cake?

A: Store leftover Champagne Cherry Poke Cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The cake is actually even more delicious the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together.

This Champagne Cherry Poke Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a touch of bubbly sweetness. It’s easy to make, stunning to present, and utterly delicious to devour. Get ready to pop the bubbly and bake up a cake that will have everyone saying “Cheers!” to dessert!

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