Cherries in the Snow Poke Cake: A Heavenly Dessert Delight
In the realm of show-stopping desserts, where simplicity meets indulgence, Cherries in the Snow Poke Cake emerges as a heavenly delight that captivates both eyes and taste buds. This luscious dessert combines the classic flavors of cherries and whipped cream with the moist decadence of a poke cake. Join us on a delightful culinary journey as we uncover the art of crafting the perfect Cherries in the Snow Poke Cake—a dessert that promises to be the highlight of any occasion.
Ingredients:
To embark on the creation of Cherries in the Snow Poke Cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients needed for the mix, typically eggs, water, and oil)
- 1 cup whole milk (for poking)
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups frozen or fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For the Whipped Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh cherries, for decoration
- White chocolate shavings or curls
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on the white cake mix box to prepare the batter. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake according to package instructions. Once baked, let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: Using the back of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake. Ensure the holes are large enough to allow the cherry filling to seep through.
- Make the Cherry Filling: In a saucepan, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and almond extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Fill the Holes: Pour the cherry filling over the cake, ensuring that it seeps into the holes. Spread it evenly using a spatula. Allow the cake to cool completely in the refrigerator.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Top the Cake: Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake, covering the cherry filling. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Garnish and Chill: Decorate the cake with fresh cherries and white chocolate shavings or curls. Place the cake back in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Cherries in the Snow Poke Cake into squares and serve chilled. Each bite is a perfect balance of moist cake, luscious cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream.
Cook Notes:
- Perfect Poking: When poking the holes in the cake, make sure they are evenly spaced to ensure uniform distribution of the cherry filling.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries: While fresh cherries are ideal when in season, frozen cherries work well too. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.
- Whipping Cream Tips: To achieve the best whipped cream, ensure that your heavy whipping cream, bowl, and beaters are well-chilled before whipping.
Variations:
Chocolate Drizzle Delight: For a chocolatey twist, drizzle chocolate ganache over the whipped cream topping. The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a decadent flavor profile.
Almond Joy Inspiration: Infuse a hint of coconut by adding shredded coconut to the whipped cream topping. Sprinkle slivered almonds on top for a delightful Almond Joy-inspired variation.
Berry Burst Extravaganza: Experiment with different berries in the filling, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a Berry Burst version of the poke cake.
Keto Version:
For a keto-friendly Cherries in the Snow Poke Cake, replace the white cake mix with a keto-friendly alternative using almond or coconut flour. Substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute in both the cherry filling and whipped cream. Be mindful of the carb content in fresh cherries and adjust quantities accordingly.
Low-Carb Version:
To make a low-carb adaptation, choose a low-carb cake mix or make your own using almond flour or coconut flour. Utilize a sugar substitute in both the cherry filling and whipped cream. Opt for low-carb berries like raspberries or blackberries in the filling.
Cherries in the Snow Poke Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in perfect harmony. As you savor each forkful, the moistness of the cake, the burst of cherry sweetness, and the cloud-like whipped cream create a symphony of delight. Whether served at a family gathering, holiday feast, or as a sweet ending to a weeknight dinner, this poke cake brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. So, embrace the joy of creating this heavenly dessert, and let Cherries in the Snow Poke Cake become a cherished favorite in your repertoire of sweet treats.
