Craving a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Dive into the world of Cherry Almond Poke Cake recipes! This simple yet scrumptious treat offers a perfect blend of cherry sweetness and almond richness in every bite.
What sets this Cherry Almond Poke Cake apart is the fun and interactive baking process. Imagine poking holes in a freshly baked cake to infuse it with irresistible flavors – it’s a unique and enjoyable experience that guarantees a moist and delicious outcome.
With minimal prep time and a whole lot of taste, this cake is a go-to option for any occasion. Whether it’s a weekend indulgence, a potluck contribution, or a festive gathering, this Cherry Almond Poke Cake is sure to impress with its heavenly combination of cherry and almond flavors.
Ingredients
Creating a delectable Cherry Almond Poke Cake requires a harmonious blend of specific ingredients. Let’s dive into the components that will make this dessert an absolute hit.
Cake Base
- 1 lb fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- Cooking spray
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature, divided
Cherry Filling
- 1 cup Cherry Syrup
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 1/3 cups sour cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Whole cherries for garnish (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare the Cherry Almond Poke Cake recipe efficiently, you will need a few essential tools and equipment. Here is a list of items you should have on hand before starting the baking process:
Tools:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
- Paring knife or cherry pitter
- Wire rack
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Refrigerator
- Parchment paper
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the pan)
- Aluminum foil (for covering the cake)
- Serving platter or cake stand
Having these tools and equipment ready and organized will help streamline the baking process and ensure that your Cherry Almond Poke Cake turns out perfectly moist and flavorful.
Preparations Before Baking
Before diving into the baking process, there are crucial steps that need to be taken care of for a successful outcome.
Preheating and Pan Preparation
To kick off the preparation for your cherry almond poke cake, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. This step is essential for easy removal of the cake once it’s baked.
Ingredient Pre-Measurement
Before starting to mix the ingredients, it’s a good practice to pre-measure everything. Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients like cherries, granulated sugar, water, cornstarch, almond extract, and more at hand, pre-measured and ready to be used. This preparation not only saves time during the mixing process but also ensures that the baking goes smoothly.
Instructions
Making the Cake Base
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a 13×9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, water, oil, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes.
Adding the Cherry Filling
- In a bowl, combine gelatin with boiling water, stirring for about 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
- Add the cherry syrup to the gelatin mixture and stir well to combine.
- Using the end of a spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
- Pour the cherry filling evenly over the cake, allowing the mixture to seep into the holes.
- In a separate bowl, whip together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake, covering it completely.
- Garnish the cake with fresh cherries, cherry pie filling, sliced almonds, or any additional toppings of your choice.
- Refrigerate the cherry almond poke cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Assembling the Poke Cake
After preparing the cherry-filled cake base and topping it with whipped cream, the next step is assembling the poke cake to enhance its flavors and textures.
Creating Holes and Filling
- Poking Holes: Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, carefully poke holes into the warm cake. Ensure the holes are evenly spaced, about 1 inch apart, and go almost to the bottom of the cake without touching the pan.
- Filling the Holes: While the cake is still warm, fill the holes with the prepared cherry filling mixture. It’s crucial to top off each hole to the brim to allow the sauce to soak into the cake fully as it cools.
- Timing is Key: Fill the holes promptly after poking them to prevent them from closing up. Complete filling all the holes before moving on to the next step to ensure uniform absorption of the cherry sauce throughout the cake.
- Sprinkling Almonds: For the final touch, generously sprinkle sliced almonds over the whipped cream topping. The almond topping not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the cake’s almond flavor profile, making it a visually appealing and flavorful dessert.
- Enhancing Flavor: The sliced almonds not only provide a textural contrast but also complement the cherry and almond flavors in the cake. This simple yet effective addition elevates the overall taste experience, adding a touch of sophistication to the dish.
By following these steps carefully, you will create a visually stunning and flavorful cherry almond poke cake that is sure to impress your guests.
Additional Tips
As I wrap up the cherry almond poke cake recipe, here are some additional tips to enhance your baking experience.
Storage Recommendations
To keep your cherry almond poke cake fresh and delicious, store it covered in the refrigerator. Make sure to consume it within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture. If you want to freeze leftovers, tightly wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.
Conclusion
Creating a Cherry Almond Poke Cake is a delightful way to indulge in the perfect blend of cherry sweetness and almond richness. With the interactive process of infusing flavors, this dessert offers a unique and delicious experience for any occasion. By following the detailed recipe and preparation steps provided, you can easily master the art of making this flavorful treat. Remember to pay attention to timing when filling the cake with cherry sauce and generously sprinkling sliced almonds for that extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy the Cherry Almond Poke Cake for several days, ensuring that each slice tastes as fresh as the first. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this scrumptious dessert that is sure to impress with its taste and presentation.