Cherry Marshmallow Delight Poke Cake – a truly decadent yet surprisingly simple dessert featuring a light and airy vanilla cake infused with sweet cherry pie filling, topped with a luscious marshmallow whipped cream, and finished with a rich drizzle of homemade fudge sauce. This sensational treat is guaranteed to become a new favorite for any occasion!
Embrace the Delight of Layered Desserts This Season
This summer, elevate your dessert game with a cake that’s more than just a cake – it’s a multi-layered masterpiece designed to impress and delight. Gone are the days of single-topping desserts when you can combine incredible textures and flavors into one unforgettable creation. Our Cherry Marshmallow Delight Poke Cake starts with a perfectly baked, no-fail vanilla cake that serves as the ideal canvas for a symphony of sweet additions. The magic truly begins when you “poke” holes into the warm cake, allowing a vibrant cherry pie filling to seep deep within, ensuring every bite is bursting with fruity goodness. But we don’t stop there!
The experience continues with a cloud-like topping of marshmallow whipped cream, transforming a classic frosting into something truly extraordinary. Imagine the airy lightness of whipped cream mingled with the sweet, sticky allure of marshmallow fluff – it’s a match made in dessert heaven. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, a generous drizzle of rich, homemade fudge sauce cascades over the top, adding a sophisticated touch of chocolatey decadence. This is summer dessert at its absolute finest: refreshing, indulgent, and utterly irresistible.
Why the Poke Cake Trend is Here to Stay
If you haven’t yet jumped on the poke cake bandwagon, now is the perfect time! There’s a reason these cakes have captivated the hearts (and taste buds) of dessert enthusiasts everywhere. The concept is brilliantly simple: bake a moist sheet cake, then create small holes across its surface. These holes become conduits for flavor, allowing liquid fillings – in this case, a luscious cherry pie filling – to penetrate every inch of the cake. The result is an incredibly moist, flavor-packed cake where each forkful offers a delightful burst of taste and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that traditional cakes often struggle to achieve.
This method not only enhances the cake’s moisture but also ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout. Forget dry cake edges or unevenly flavored slices; a poke cake guarantees a consistent, delicious experience from the first bite to the last. It’s a wonderful way to transform a simple vanilla cake into a dynamic dessert that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, the visual appeal of the vibrant cherry peeking through the fluffy white topping makes it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
The Irresistible Flavors of Cherry and Marshmallow
The combination of sweet cherries and fluffy marshmallows is a classic pairing that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, often reminiscent of holiday treats. However, this Cherry Marshmallow Delight Poke Cake brings these beloved flavors into the spotlight for the warmer months, proving that cherry isn’t just for winter pies. The tartness of the cherries cuts through the sweetness of the cake and marshmallow cream, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is neither too heavy nor overly sugary. The bright, fruity notes of the cherry pie filling are incredibly refreshing, making this cake an ideal choice for a sunny afternoon picnic or a backyard barbecue.
Furthermore, the marshmallow whipped cream adds a unique textural dimension. It’s lighter than traditional buttercream, yet possesses a delightful stickiness and a subtle, comforting sweetness from the marshmallow fluff. This ethereal topping perfectly complements the dense, fruit-soaked cake below. The optional – but highly recommended – fudge sauce adds another layer of complexity, introducing a deep, rich chocolate flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the fruit and marshmallow. Each element plays a crucial role, contributing to a dessert that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
A Culinary Collaboration: Celebrating Quality Ingredients
Crafting exceptional desserts often relies on the quality of your ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. We are incredibly grateful for opportunities to collaborate with brands that consistently deliver superior products, making our culinary creations shine. Using high-quality ingredients, like the Lucky Leaf Premium Cherry Pie Filling in this recipe, makes a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your dessert. Lucky Leaf’s pie fillings are renowned for their rich fruit flavor and perfect consistency, ensuring that the cherry layer in our poke cake is nothing short of spectacular.
My personal affection for cherry pie filling stems from childhood memories of holiday desserts, and finding ways to incorporate this beloved flavor into seasonal treats is always exciting. While their caramel apple filling gives cherry a run for its money, the classic cherry remains a timeless favorite for its versatility and vibrant taste. This summer cake allows us to enjoy the comforting taste of cherry in a fresh, warm-weather appropriate format, truly a delightful experience. It’s these quality foundational ingredients that allow the other components – the light vanilla cake, the airy marshmallow whipped cream, and the decadent fudge sauce – to truly sing.
Cherry Marshmallow Delight Poke Cake
Author: Anna
Cherry Marshmallow Delight Poke Cake – light and fluffy vanilla cake with cherry pie filling, marshmallow whipped cream and a drizzle of fudge sauce. Crazy good!
Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 15 readers.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 271 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 and ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
For the Topping:
- 1 can Lucky Leaf Premium Cherry Pie Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup marshmallow fluff
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Fudge sauce (optional)
Instructions
To Make the Cake:
- Grease and flour a 13″ x 9″ baking pan. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, granulated sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Ensure they are well combined.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, large egg, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients mixture to the dry ingredients mixture. Whisk until just smooth and no lumps of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are fine. An electric mixer is not necessary – a simple whisk does the job perfectly!
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly to all corners. Gently tap the pan against the counter a couple of times to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake the cake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. This step is crucial before adding the filling.
For the Marshmallow Whipped Cream and Assembly:
- In a medium bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on high speed for about 1 minute, until it starts to thicken.
- Add the marshmallow fluff and continue to whip until stiff peaks form, which should take approximately 2 more minutes. Gently mix in the pure vanilla extract just until it is incorporated.
- When the cake is completely cool, use the round end of a wooden spoon or a wooden dowel to poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake. Make sure the holes are deep enough to reach the bottom but not too wide.
- Carefully spread the entire can of Lucky Leaf Premium Cherry Pie Filling over the poked cake, ensuring the filling seeps into all the holes.
- Evenly spread the prepared marshmallow whipped cream over the cherry pie filling layer.
- Just before serving, warm up your fudge sauce slightly (if it’s too thick) to achieve a drizzling consistency, then generously drizzle it over the top of the cake. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 271 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 136mg | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 505IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe?
Leave a comment with rating below!
Tips for a Flawless Cherry Marshmallow Poke Cake
Achieving poke cake perfection is simple with a few key considerations. Firstly, always ensure your cake cools completely before adding the pie filling. Applying filling to a warm cake can result in a soggy texture and may cause the topping to melt prematurely. Patience truly is a virtue here! When poking holes, aim for consistent depth and spacing. The round end of a wooden spoon is ideal for creating holes that are just right – large enough to absorb the filling but not so big they compromise the cake’s structure. For even distribution of the cherry filling, gently spread it over the cake, allowing it time to seep into all the holes.
For the marshmallow whipped cream, start with very cold heavy whipping cream and a chilled mixing bowl and whisk attachment. This helps the cream whip up faster and hold its peaks better. When adding the marshmallow fluff, incorporate it gradually, continuing to whip until you achieve firm, yet airy, peaks. Over-whipping can turn it grainy, so stop as soon as it’s perfectly fluffy. Finally, chilling the assembled cake for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cake to set, making for cleaner slices and a more enjoyable texture. This cake can be made a day in advance, making it an excellent option for entertaining.
Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas
While the Cherry Marshmallow Delight Poke Cake is a masterpiece in itself, it also offers a fantastic canvas for creative variations. Feel free to experiment with different pie fillings – a vibrant blueberry, a sweet peach, or a tangy apple filling would all be delicious. For a chocolate lover’s dream, consider starting with a chocolate cake base instead of vanilla. You could also swap the marshmallow whipped cream for a simple vanilla whipped cream or even a cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile. A drizzle of caramel sauce could replace or complement the fudge, adding another layer of sweetness.
When it comes to serving, this cake is beautiful as is, but a few simple garnishes can elevate it further. Fresh cherries or other seasonal berries scattered over the top add a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips would enhance the fudge flavor. This cake is ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, birthdays, or simply as a delightful weekend treat. Its ease of preparation combined with its impressive presentation makes it a go-to dessert for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Indulge in a Slice of Pure Happiness
In conclusion, the Cherry Marshmallow Delight Poke Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experience pure dessert happiness. From the light, vanilla-infused cake to the juicy bursts of cherry, the airy marshmallow cream, and the indulgent fudge drizzle, every element works in harmony to create a truly unforgettable treat. It’s simple enough for anyone to make, yet elegant enough to grace any special occasion. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect summer dessert or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary, this poke cake is your answer. Bake it, share it, and watch as smiles light up around the table. Enjoy every delicious bite!