Vampire Poke Cake
Vampire Poke Cake is a delightful and spooky dessert that’s perfect for Halloween parties, kid-friendly events, or whenever you want to indulge in something crave-worthy. This enchanting cake features an irresistible combination of cherry sauce and whipped cream, which not only satisfies your sweet tooth but provides a tantalizing visual. As you slice into this lush concoction, the vibrant red cherry sauce spills out like a dramatic bloodbath, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate. With its straightforward preparation and an abundance of nostalgic flavors, this cake is sure to become a beloved family favorite in no time.
Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood desserts or captivating your guests with a wicked treat, the Vampire Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The soft, moist cake paired with the luscious cherry sauce and whipped topping ensures every bite leaves a lasting impression. Embrace the playful spirit of this recipe and let it add some spooky charm to your dessert table!
Are You Ready for a Spooktacular Treat?
Have you ever craved a dessert that not only tastes divine but also brings a little playful eeriness to your table? Imagine slicing into a cake that oozes a vibrant cherry sauce, its gooey texture dripping down the sides like a deliciously spooky scene straight out of a Halloween movie. Are you in the mood to create something utterly fabulous that all your friends raved about the last time you baked?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Vampire Poke Cake:
- Simple to Make: With minimal prep time, this recipe is designed to get you baking without overwhelming you.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The visually dramatic presentation makes it a delight for kids, turning any ordinary day into an extraordinary celebration.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of cherry and almond flavors is not just a treat for the taste buds but a sensory experience that is hard to forget.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, Halloween parties, or as a dessert any time of year, this cake will impress everyone who lays eyes on it.
Ingredients
Gathering the ingredients for Vampire Poke Cake is easy and painless, ensuring you can dive right into your baking adventure! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb. fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- Cooking spray
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp. almond extract
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature, divided
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Each of these high-quality ingredients contributes to the moistness and flavor explosion in your cake, making it a delectable indulgence. The cherries will provide that luscious, blood-red hue that makes the cake so visually appealing, while the almond extract will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
Timing
When it comes to baking, timing is everything, and the Vampire Poke Cake strikes the perfect balance. The prep time is quick, allowing you to prepare the cherry sauce and batter in under an hour, making it a great option for weeknight baking.
While it bakes for about 25 to 35 minutes, you can enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your home, building anticipation. After poking the holes and filling them with cherry sauce, letting it cool overnight means that the flavors will deepen, resulting in a rich, decadent dessert when the time comes to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cherry Sauce
To whip up the homemade cherry sauce, follow these simple steps:
- In a small pot, combine pitted cherries, granulated sugar, water, cornstarch, and kosher salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook the mixture while mashing the cherries occasionally until they’re broken down and the sauce thickens, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool. For a smooth texture, puree the sauce until smooth.
- For maximum flavor, you can make this cherry sauce one day ahead. Allow it to cool fully and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Generously spray a 13-inch by 9-inch pan with cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two long sides.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- In another bowl, beat granulated sugar and softened butter on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Then, stir in the almond extract.
- Introduce one-third of the dry ingredients and half of the buttermilk to the egg mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk until a homogenous batter is formed.
- Gently fold in any remaining dry ingredients. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out well.
- Bake the cake until it has risen and feels firm to the touch, which will take about 25 to 35 minutes.
- Once baked, while the cake is still warm, poke holes all over, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Set aside 1/4 cup of the cherry sauce for serving and fill the holes with the remaining sauce.
- Allow the cake to cool completely, covering it and refrigerating it overnight.
Topping
- In a large bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you reach medium peaks.
- Using the parchment overhang, gently remove the chilled cake from the pan and spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.
- Poke holes in the whipped cream to resemble fangs, filling them with the reserved cherry sauce.
- For a striking finish, splatter any remaining topping with cherry sauce, creating a deliciously gory presentation.
This decadent presentation will be a showstopper, creating both visual and flavor sensations at your gathering!
Nutritional Information
While enjoying Vampire Poke Cake, you may wonder about its nutritional content. Keep in mind that this cake is meant to be an occasional indulgence that excites the taste buds. Each slice typically contains around 350 calories, providing a delightful dessert experience that shouldn’t happen every day but is perfect for special occasions.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to create a lighter version of this scrumptious dessert, there are plenty of ways to modify the ingredients while still keeping it delicious.
- Low-Sugar Sweeteners: Consider using stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the cherry sauce and cake batter for a reduced-sugar version.
- Dairy-Free Options: Substitute dairy with almond or coconut milk and use vegan whipping cream.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
These alternatives allow you to enjoy the flavors you love while also catering to health-conscious dietary choices!
Serving Suggestions
This Vampire Poke Cake is versatile enough to suit any occasion! Serve it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for an amazing à la mode experience that contrasts the rich cake beautifully.
It makes for an outstanding dessert for Halloween parties, birthday celebrations, or cozy autumn evenings on the porch, where its visually striking and spooky elements will captivate everyone’s attention.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best results with your Vampire Poke Cake, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Overbaking: Make sure to keep a close eye on the cake as it approaches the 25-minute mark. Overbaked cakes can become dry and lose their tenderness.
- Texture Issues: Be gentle when mixing to avoid overworking the batter, as this leads to a denser cake.
- Messy Splatter: Take care when adding your cherry sauce to prevent spills. Lay down some parchment underneath your workspace for easy cleanup.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure a perfectly moist and visually stunning cake.
Storing Tips
If you find yourself with leftover Vampire Poke Cake (which is rare!), here are some storage tips:
- Freezing Portions: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place in an airtight container. The cake freezes beautifully for up to three months.
- Reheating Instructions: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight, or leave it at room temperature for a couple of hours.
These storage tips help preserve the flavor and quality of your cake, allowing you to savor it longer.
Tempt Yourself to Bake it ASAP
Don’t let the season pass you by without indulging in the nostalgic yet captivating delight that is Vampire Poke Cake. Each component of this dessert—from the rich cherry ooze to the fluffy whipped cream—converges beautifully to create moments of sweetness and fun. Grab your ingredients, gather your baking tools, and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen!
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is best when refrigerated overnight to let the flavors meld together.What can I substitute for cherries?
If you want to mix things up, raspberries or strawberries make excellent alternatives.How long does the cake last in the fridge?
The assembled cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days.Can I make the cherry sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The cherry sauce can be prepared a day ahead for maximum flavor.Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe.
Dive into this scrumptious adventure and let the Vampire Poke Cake take center stage at your next gathering!
Print
Vampire Poke Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and spooky dessert featuring cherry sauce and whipped cream, perfect for Halloween parties and kid-friendly events.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- Cooking spray
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature, divided
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small pot, combine pitted cherries, granulated sugar, water, cornstarch, and kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cook for 2 minutes, mashing the cherries. Let cool.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9 inch pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- In another bowl, beat granulated sugar and softened butter until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, then stir in almond extract.
- Add one-third of the dry ingredients and half of the buttermilk to the egg mixture, mix on low speed until combined. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk until homogenous.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth it out, and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Poke holes in the warm cake, then fill holes with cherry sauce.
- Allow the cake to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until medium peaks form. Spread whipped cream over the top of the cake and poke holes, filling them with reserved cherry sauce.
- Optionally, splatter remaining topping with cherry sauce for decoration.
Notes
For best results, refrigerate overnight before serving. Avoid overbaking to keep cake moist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
