Delight your taste buds with the incredibly easy and utterly delicious Cherry Almond Poke Cake! This vibrant dessert brings together the classic convenience of a cake mix with an explosion of rich, sweet cherry and fragrant almond flavors. Each bite is a journey of tender cake infused with fruity syrup, crowned with a luscious cream cheese layer, and finished with a light, airy whipped topping generously studded with maraschino cherries and crunchy almonds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this unique poke cake promises a show-stopping dessert that’s simple to create and unforgettable to taste.
The Irresistible Charm of Cherry Almond Poke Cake
Poke cakes have earned their beloved status in the world of desserts for good reason: they offer an unbeatable combination of ease, versatility, and incredible moisture. Starting with a simple cake mix, these desserts transform into something truly extraordinary as flavorful liquids are poured over poked holes, soaking deep into every crumb. Our Cherry Almond Poke Cake takes this concept to a new level, infusing a delicate white cake with the sweet, slightly tart essence of maraschino cherry syrup, perfectly complemented by the warm, nutty aroma of almond extract. This particular flavor pairing is a match made in heaven, creating a harmonious balance that is both comforting and exciting.
It’s no wonder this recipe consistently earns rave reviews and disappears quickly from any gathering. I’ve been crafting poke cakes for years, exploring endless flavor combinations, and the cherry and almond duo in this creation truly stands out. When I brought this cake into work, it was devoured within 30 minutes – a testament to its widespread appeal and deliciousness! It’s the kind of dessert that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort, making it ideal for everything from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.
“Just made this, WONDERFUL!! Thank you for never letting me down. I have never once made something from your site that my family did not love. Needed something for a potluck. (Made extra one for the family) This was perfect. Keep up the good work!
– Dawne”
Why This Cherry Almond Combination Works Wonders
The pairing of cherry and almond is a classic for a reason, deeply rooted in culinary traditions across various cultures. This exquisite flavor profile strikes a perfect balance between fruitiness and nutty depth, creating a dessert that is both vibrant and comforting. Maraschino cherries offer a distinct sweetness and a beautiful, jewel-toned hue that visually enhances the cake, while their syrup provides the crucial liquid for infusing moisture and flavor into every crevice of the poke cake. The almond extract, on the other hand, introduces a sophisticated warmth and a subtle, aromatic bitterness that cuts through the sweetness, preventing the cake from becoming cloyingly sweet.
When these two primary flavors come together, they create a symphony on the palate. The tender white cake acts as a neutral canvas, allowing the cherry and almond notes to truly shine. The cream cheese layer adds a tangy richness that complements both the fruit and the nut, providing a delightful contrast in texture and taste. Finally, the light whipped topping, mixed with more chopped cherries and crisp sliced almonds, adds a refreshing finish and an engaging textural element. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes the Cherry Almond Poke Cake an instant favorite for anyone who appreciates a dessert that’s both familiar and wonderfully unique.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Almond Poke Cake
No, not at all! While almond milk enhances the overall almond flavor profile, regular dairy milk will work just as wonderfully and will not significantly alter the texture or deliciousness of the cake. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand or prefer.
The sliced almonds are primarily for added texture and a visual flourish. You’ll still get a robust almond flavor from the almond extract infused throughout the cake. If you’re not a fan of the crunch or simply prefer a smoother topping, you can definitely leave them out without compromising the core flavor of the cake.
Bringing your cream cheese to room temperature is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free frosting. Cold cream cheese will be stiff and difficult to beat evenly, resulting in small, undesirable lumps in your mixture. Softened cream cheese, on the other hand, blends beautifully with powdered sugar, creating a silky-smooth layer for your cake.
Absolutely! While a white cake mix beautifully showcases the vibrant cherry juice, you can certainly experiment with other flavors. French Vanilla cake mix would be a delightful choice, providing a rich, complementary base. A yellow cake mix would also work well. For a more adventurous twist, consider a chocolate cake mix for a Black Forest-inspired creation!
To keep your Cherry Almond Poke Cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 days. For longer storage, this cake freezes exceptionally well. Ensure it is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
While homemade whipped cream is always a delicious option, Cool Whip is recommended for this recipe due to its stability. It holds its shape better and won’t weep as easily, especially when mixed with fruit and nuts, making it ideal for a poke cake that needs to hold up in the refrigerator.
Ingredients for Your Cherry Almond Poke Cake
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dessert. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, utilizing readily available items that come together to form an extraordinary cake. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- White Cake Mix (15.25 ounce box): This forms the foundational layer of our poke cake. A white cake mix is preferred as it allows the vibrant cherry color and flavor to truly stand out. Remember to have the additional ingredients required by your specific cake mix brand, such as egg whites, oil, and water.
- Maraschino Cherry Syrup (1 cup): This is the liquid gold from your maraschino cherry jar. Don’t discard it! This syrup is key to infusing moisture and that signature cherry flavor into the poked holes of the cake, making every bite incredibly juicy.
- Cream Cheese (16 ounces, 2 blocks): Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free, and easily spreadable frosting. Its tangy flavor perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this provides the necessary sweetness and ensures a silky-smooth texture for the cream cheese topping.
- Almond Extract (1 teaspoon): A little goes a long way! This extract delivers the powerful, aromatic almond flavor that defines this cake. Use a good quality extract for the best results.
- Almond Milk (2 tablespoons): While almond milk enhances the almond theme of the cake, regular dairy milk can be used interchangeably. It helps achieve the perfect consistency for the cream cheese mixture.
- Whipped Topping (8 ounces tub, like COOL WHIP): Thawed and ready to use, whipped topping provides a light, airy, and stable final layer for your cake. Its convenience is unmatched.
- Maraschino Cherries (½ cup, chopped): These add bursts of sweet, fruity flavor and a beautiful contrasting color within the whipped topping layer. Chop them finely for even distribution.
- Sliced Almonds (½ cup, divided use): These offer a delightful crunch and an elegant finish. Half will be mixed into the whipped topping, and the remaining half will be used for garnishing the top of the cake.
How to Make the Perfect Cherry Almond Poke Cake
Creating this irresistible Cherry Almond Poke Cake is a straightforward process, designed for delicious results with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a beautifully flavored, moist dessert in no time:
- Bake the Cake: Begin by preparing your white cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into your preferred baking pan (a 9×13 inch pan is standard for poke cakes) and bake as instructed. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial; attempting to poke or add liquid to a warm cake can result in a soggy texture or cause the toppings to melt prematurely.
- Poke the Holes: Once the cake has fully cooled, grab a fork or a wooden skewer. Evenly poke holes across the entire surface of the cake. The key is to make holes large enough for the cherry juice to penetrate deep into the cake, ensuring every slice is infused with flavor and moisture. Don’t be shy, but avoid tearing the cake excessively.
- Infuse with Cherry Syrup: Gently pour the maraschino cherry syrup (the liquid from the jar) over the poked holes. Take your time to distribute the syrup as evenly as possible over the cake’s surface, allowing it to seep into each hole. This step is where the cake truly gets its “poke cake” character and its signature cherry flavor.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the mixture until it is smooth and free of lumps. This is why room temperature cream cheese is so important!
- Add Almond Flavor and Spread: Stir in the almond extract and the almond (or regular) milk into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and smooth. This adds another layer of flavor and helps achieve a perfect spreading consistency. Carefully spread this luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cherry-infused cake.
- Create the Whipped Topping Mixture: In a separate bowl, gently fold together the thawed whipped topping, the chopped maraschino cherries, and half of the sliced almonds. Be gentle to maintain the airiness of the whipped topping.
- Layer the Whipped Topping: Carefully spread the whipped topping mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, creating a fluffy and delightful third layer for your cake.
- Garnish and Chill: Finish by sprinkling the remaining sliced almonds evenly over the top of the whipped topping layer. This adds visual appeal and a final touch of crunch.
- Refrigerate for Flavor Infusion: Place the finished cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the layers set properly, making for a cleaner slice and an even more enjoyable eating experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Almond Poke Cake
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few expert tips can elevate your Cherry Almond Poke Cake from simply delicious to absolutely spectacular. Firstly, always use a good quality almond extract. The flavor can vary significantly between brands, and a superior extract will make a noticeable difference in the cake’s overall aroma and taste. Secondly, consider making this cake a day in advance. Allowing it to chill overnight gives the cherry syrup more time to fully permeate the cake and the flavors to deepen and meld, resulting in an even more intensely flavored and moist dessert. When serving, ensure the cake is nicely chilled for the best texture and refreshing taste. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each slice with a fresh maraschino cherry and a tiny sprig of mint.
Variations and Customizations to Try
One of the joys of poke cakes is their adaptability. While the Cherry Almond combination is a classic, don’t hesitate to get creative! If you’re looking for an even more intense cherry flavor, you could add a few drops of cherry extract to the cake batter or the whipped topping. For a subtle twist, swap out the white cake mix for a yellow or French vanilla mix. If you adore chocolate, consider using a chocolate fudge cake mix for a decadent Black Forest-inspired poke cake. You can also experiment with toppings: a drizzle of melted white chocolate, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even a few chocolate shavings would all be delightful additions. For those who love a bit of tang, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice in the cream cheese layer can add a bright contrast.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
- Cherry Crumble Bars
- Cherry Almond Streusel Bars
- Shirley Temple Poke Cake
- Maraschino Cherry Cake
- Raspberry Poke Cake
- Tiramisu Poke Cake
- Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake
- Strawberry Pudding Poke Cake
- Twinkie Poke Cake
- Banana Pudding Poke Cake
- Boston Cream Poke Cake
- Red Velvet Poke Cake
- Apple Pie Poke Cake
- Black Forest Poke Cake
Cherry Almond Poke Cake Recipe Card
Cherry Almond Poke Cake
Cherry Almond Poke cake is so easy and delicious! Made with a cake mix, maraschino cherries, cherry juice, cream cheese, and Cool Whip, it’s a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Author: Brandie Skibinski
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Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box white cake mix
- Ingredients needed to make cake: egg whites, oil, and water (as per cake mix box)
- 1 cup maraschino cherry syrup (liquid from the maraschino cherry jar)
- 16 ounces cream cheese (2 blocks), softened to room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or regular milk)
- 8 ounces (tub) whipped topping (COOL WHIP), thawed
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- ½ cup sliced almonds, divided use
Instructions
- Bake the cake according to the package directions. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the next step.
- Once cooled, use a fork or a wooden skewer to poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake. Ensure the holes are large enough for the cherry juice to soak in.
- Pour the maraschino cherry syrup over the poked holes in the cake, making sure to coat the cake as evenly as possible.
- In a mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the almond extract and milk until fully combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cake, covering the cherry-infused layer.
- In a separate bowl, gently mix together the thawed whipped topping, chopped maraschino cherries, and half of the sliced almonds.
- Spread this whipped topping mixture evenly on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds over the top of the cake for garnish.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
Nutrition
Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 315mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 42g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Originally published: May 2018
Updated Photos and republished: December 2022