Sink Your Fangs into Delight: Vampire Poke Cake Recipe

 

The fall spooky season is near,

and All Hallows Eve will soon be here.

 

But on this Friday the 13th – a double dose of fright,

A day of dread, where scares take forms of sweet delights.

Perfect for sharing and surviving the fright,

Or for your guests on Halloween night.

Today, we’re unveiling a bewitching creation – the Vampire Poke Cake. Imagine a soft, almond buttermilk cake oozing with a tart cherry sauce, aptly named “blood,” and crowned with a cloud of whipped cream. This recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a showstopper at any Halloween gathering. Let’s delve into the details of crafting this eerie yet delicious masterpiece.

 

Who is This Recipe For?

 

This recipe is tailor-made for those who love to combine culinary creativity with a touch of the macabre. If you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply want to surprise your family with a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, the Vampire Poke Cake is your go-to.

 

The Magic of Poke Cake

 

Before we dive into the details, let’s demystify the concept of a poke cake. Traditionally, it’s a single-layer cake poked with holes, usually filled with gelatin. Our version takes it up a notch with a homemade cherry sauce, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor.

 

Filling the Cake – A Hauntingly Simple Process

 

Filling a poke cake may sound intimidating, but fear not! Follow these steps to ensure your cake is a gruesome masterpiece:

 

Strike While It’s Hot:

Fill the cake immediately after it emerges from the oven. This ensures the sauce seeps into the warm cake, infusing it with flavor.

 

Poke with Precision:

Use the end of a wooden spoon handle to create evenly spaced holes. These holes should form a grid, ensuring the sauce reaches every corner of the cake.

 

Overflow is the Goal:

Fill the holes generously, allowing the sauce to overflow slightly. The more, the merrier! Top up any settled holes to maximize the bloodiness.

 

Chill for the Thrill:

Let the cake cool completely before refrigerating for at least two hours, or better yet, overnight. This chilling time lets the sauce set, preventing spills when you slice into your gory creation.

 

Ingredients – A Symphony of Flavors

Let’s gather the tools of our culinary witchcraft:

 

Cherry Sauce:

• 1 lb. fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/2 c. (100 g.) granulated sugar
• 1/2 c. water
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

 

Cake:

• Cooking spray
• 3 c. (360 g.) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 c. (200 g.) granulated sugar
• 3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp. almond extract
• 1 3/4 c. buttermilk, room temperature

 

Topping:

• 1 1/2 c. heavy cream
• 3 tbsp. powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

 

Directions – Crafting Your Masterpiece

Let’s break down the steps for your journey into the eerie realms of the Vampire Poke Cake.

 

Cherry Sauce:

In a small pot, combine cherries, sugar, water, cornstarch, and salt.

Bring to a boil, then simmer until cherries break down and the mixture thickens.

Remove from heat, let it cool, and puree until smooth.

Make Ahead: Prepare the cherry sauce a day before and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before use.

 

Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350° and prepare a pan with cooking spray and parchment.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Beat sugar and butter until fluffy, add eggs, almond extract, and mix.

Add dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately, folding until combined.

Pour batter into the pan and bake until firm.

While warm, poke holes with a wooden spoon handle.

Fill holes with cherry sauce, reserving some for decoration.

Cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

 

Topping:

Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until medium peaks form.

Remove chilled cake, spread whipped cream, and create “fangs” with a wooden spoon.

Fill “fangs” with reserved cherry sauce and splatter the remaining sauce for a gory effect.

 

Kitchen Equipment

To successfully summon this Vampire Poke Cake, you’ll need:

• 13″-by-9″ pan
• Wooden spoon
• Immersion blender or standard blender
• Stand mixer or electric mixer
• Piping bag (optional)

 

Leftover Love

Store any remaining slices in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to three days. For longer preservation, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.

 

Pairing Suggestions

Complement the haunting sweetness of the Vampire Poke Cake with a cup of rich, dark coffee or a blood-red fruit punch for the ultimate spooky experience.

 

FAQ – Unveiling the Mysteries

 

Q: Can I use a different fruit for the sauce?

A: Absolutely! Experiment with raspberries, strawberries, or a mix for your own twist.

 

Q: Can I make the cake in advance?

A: Indeed, prepare the cake a day before and decorate it just before serving for the freshest fright.

 

Q: Any shortcut for the cherry sauce?

A: If you’re short on time, opt for store-bought cherry pie filling and thin it with a splash of cherry juice.

 

Share the Spooky Delight

As you sink your fangs into this Vampire Poke Cake, relish in the delightful shivers it sends down your spine. Don’t keep this eerie masterpiece to yourself—share the recipe, and let others experience the joy of crafting and devouring a dessert that’s both terrifying and tantalizing. Subscribe to our blog for more wickedly good recipes and make your kitchen the cauldron of culinary magic!

The inspiration for this Spooktacular Sweet Delight was originally seen at “Delish.com”.