Vampire Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 lb.fresh or frozen cherries
pitted
- ½ c.granulated sugar
- ½ c.water
- 2 tbsp.cornstarch
- ¼ tsp.kosher salt
- cooking spray
- 3 c.all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp.baking powder
- ½ tsp.baking soda
- ½ tsp.kosher salt
- 1 c.granulated sugar
- ¾ c.unsalted butter
softened
- 3 largeeggs
room temperature
- 2 tsp.almond extract
- 1 ¾ c.buttermilk
room temperature, divided
- 1 ½ c.heavy cream
- 3 tbsp.powdered sugar
- 1 tsp.pure vanilla extract
Directions
Cherry sauce
- 1
In a small pot, combine cherries, granulated sugar, water, cornstarch, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low and cook, mashing occasionally, until cherries are broken down and mixture is thickened, about 2 minutes.
- 2
Remove from heat and let cool. Using an immersion blender (or standard blender), puree until smooth.
- 3
Make Ahead: Cherry sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Let cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using.
Cake
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 13"-by-9" pan with cooking spray and line with parchment, leaving an overhang on 2 long sides.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in another large bowl, using an electric mixer), beat granulated sugar and butter on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating to blend after each addition, then add almond extract and beat until combined (mixture may look curdled).
- 3
Add one-third of dry ingredients and half of buttermilk to egg mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined, then repeat with another one-third of dry ingredients and remaining buttermilk. Using a rubber spatula, fold in remaining dry ingredients. Pour batter into prepared pan.
- 4
Bake cake until risen and firm to the touch, 25 to 35 minutes. While still warm, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over cake, spacing about 1" apart and forming a grid of about 12-by-8 holes.
- 5
Set aside 1/4 cup cherry sauce for serving. Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill holes with remaining cherry sauce. (Sauce may soak into cake after sitting a few minutes, leaving room for more sauce; continue to top up holes as much as possible.)
- 6
Let cool completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
Topping
- 1
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until medium peaks form. Using parchment overhang, remove chilled cake from pan.
- 2
Spread whipped cream over cake. With wooden spoon, poke holes in whipped cream to resemble fangs, then fill with reserved cherry sauce. Splatter remaining cake topping with remaining cherry sauce as desired.
Vampire Poke Cake
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 3 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Looking for a show-stopping Halloween dessert that's both spooky and deliciously satisfying? This Vampire Poke Cake delivers with its striking "bloody" appearance and comforting flavors, making it perfect for your next Autumn gathering.
What sets this cake apart is the delightful contrast: a tender, almond-infused cake base beautifully complemented by a tart cherry sauce that seeps into every crevice, creating a dramatic, vibrant effect. Topped with light, fluffy whipped cream, it’s a textural dream that's far from a generic bake.
You'll sink your teeth into a remarkably soft almond cake, moist and fragrant with subtle nutty notes from the almond extract. Each bite offers a burst of sweet-tart cherry, thanks to the vibrant sauce permeating the cake, providing a "bloody" surprise that’s as fun as it is flavorful. The airy whipped cream adds a cool, creamy finish, perfectly balancing the richness of the cake and the tang of the cherries. This naturally Vegetarian dessert is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Feeling adventurous with your Halloween baking? While the tart cherry sauce is key to the "vampire blood" effect, you could experiment with other red fruits like raspberries for a different flavor profile. For an extra touch of spooky elegance, a few drops of red food coloring in the cherry sauce can intensify its hue, making it even more dramatic. If you're out of buttermilk, a simple homemade substitute can often work in a pinch.
This Vampire Poke Cake is the ultimate centerpiece for any Halloween party or Autumn gathering, sure to impress guests with its festive appearance and irresistible taste. Serve it chilled for the best experience.