Name: Vampire Poke Cake: 1 Spooky Dessert Masterpiece
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488472H3M45S
Total time: PT-488472H3M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cherry Sauce:; 1 lb. fresh or frozen cherries, pitted; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup water; 2 Tbsp. cornstarch; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; Cake:; Cooking spray; 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour; 2 tsp. baking powder; 1/2 tsp. baking soda; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp. almond extract; 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature, divided; Topping:; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar; 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

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Vampire Poke Cake has become my absolute go-to for any October gathering, and I’m so excited to share this Halloween poke cake recipe with you! I remember the first time I made it, the vibrant red sauce oozing through the fluffy cake instantly reminded me of spooky movie magic. The aroma of sweet almond and cherry fills my kitchen, creating such a festive atmosphere. It’s truly the easiest Halloween dessert poke cake that guarantees delighted screams from everyone who tries it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Vampire Poke Cake

This cake is an absolute showstopper for any spooky celebration. Here’s why I think you’ll adore it:

The taste is incredible – a perfect balance of sweet almond cake and tangy cherry sauce.
It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it one of my favorite easy Halloween dessert poke cake options.
While it’s a dessert, the almond extract offers a unique flavor profile that feels a bit more refined.
It’s incredibly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
It’s a fantastic family-friendly recipe; kids love helping to poke the holes and drizzle the “blood.”
As a Vampire themed cake recipe, it’s visually striking and always a conversation starter.
This Vampire themed cake recipe is perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a fun weekend treat.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of spooky fun to any occasion.

Ingredients for Vampire Poke Cake

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating your spooky masterpiece. For the vibrant cherry sauce, you’ll need 1 lb. fresh or frozen cherries, pitted, which give us that perfect “vampire blood” color. We’ll also use 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water to create the base, thickened with 2 Tbsp. cornstarch and a pinch of 1/4 tsp. kosher salt for that rich flavor. This combination makes for a fantastic Vampire blood sauce poke cake. For the cake itself, you’ll need 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt for leavening and structure. The sweetness comes from 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, and the moisture from 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, and 3 large eggs, room temperature. I love the subtle flavor from 2 tsp. almond extract, and you’ll need 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature, divided for that tender crumb. Lastly, for the topping, whip up 1 1/2 cups heavy cream with 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar and 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract.

Vampire Poke Cake: 1 Spooky Dessert Masterpiece - Vampire Poke Cake - additional detail

How to Make Vampire Poke Cake

Step 1: Make the Cherry Sauce. In a small pot, combine the 1 lb. fresh or frozen cherries, pitted, with 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, 2 Tbsp. cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp. kosher salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 2 minutes, mashing the cherries occasionally until they break down and the sauce thickens. Remove it from the heat, let it cool slightly, and then puree it until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender. This is the first step in mastering how to make vampire poke cake. Set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup for the topping later.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get a 13″x9″ baking pan ready by spraying it with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs on two opposite sides for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar and 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then blend in the 2 tsp. almond extract. Don’t worry if the batter looks a little curdled at this point; it’s normal.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add one-third of the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, then half of the 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature, divided, mixing on low speed just until combined. Repeat this process with another third of the dry ingredients and the remaining buttermilk. Finally, gently fold in the last of the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until everything is just combined – be careful not to overmix! Pour this beautiful batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. This is a crucial part of our Vampire themed cake recipe.
Step 4: Bake and Poke. Bake the cake until it’s golden brown, has risen, and feels firm to the touch, typically between 25 to 35 minutes. While the cake is still warm, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the surface. Space the holes about 1 inch apart, creating a grid of roughly 12 by 8. This poking is what allows all that delicious cherry sauce to seep in.
Step 5: Fill with Cherry Sauce and Chill. Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each of the poked holes with the remaining warm cherry sauce. You can add a little extra to ensure the holes are completely full, as the sauce will continue to soak in. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover it and refrigerate it overnight. This chilling period is essential for allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to fully saturate the cake, making it the best Vampire themed cake recipe.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping and Decorate. Just before serving, whip the 1 1/2 cups heavy cream with 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar and 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract in a large bowl at high speed until medium peaks form. Remove the chilled cake from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it to a serving dish. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the entire top of the cake. For that signature spooky look, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke fang-shaped indentations in the whipped cream topping. Fill these fang marks with the reserved cherry sauce to mimic vampire fangs. You can even splatter a little extra cherry sauce artistically over the whipped cream for a truly dramatic effect.

Vampire Poke Cake: 1 Spooky Dessert Masterpiece - Vampire Poke Cake - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Vampire Poke Cake

I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure my Vampire Poke Cake is always a hit. Here are my top tips for perfecting this Halloween poke cake recipe:

Make sure your cherry sauce is still warm when you poke the cake. Warm sauce soaks in much better and faster, creating that signature moist texture.
Don’t overmix the cake batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher cake. Just mix until it’s *barely* combined.
Chilling the cake overnight is crucial! It allows the cherry sauce to fully saturate the cake and the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a key step for a truly great Vampire themed cake recipe.
For the fang effect on top, use a small spoon or even a toothpick to gently create the indentations before filling them with the reserved cherry sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect Vampire Poke Cake?

The real secret to a perfect Vampire Poke Cake is patience with the chilling process. Letting it sit overnight allows the cherry sauce to fully soak into every crumb, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful cake. This is truly the hallmark of the best vampire poke cake recipe.

Can I make Vampire Poke Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cherry sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The cake itself is best assembled the day before you plan to serve it, as it needs that overnight chill to soak properly. Just keep it covered and refrigerated.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Vampire Poke Cake?

A common pitfall is not poking enough holes, or poking them too late when the cake has cooled too much. Poke while it’s still warm! Also, don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing leads to a dense cake, and we want that light, fluffy texture for our Halloween poke cake recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Vampire Poke Cake

This spooky treat is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it in a few special ways. For a truly memorable Dessert for Halloween party, consider pairing a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream; the contrast in temperatures and textures is divine! Another idea is to serve it alongside some fresh berries, like raspberries or more cherries, to enhance the fruity flavors. You can also simply present it as is, letting the dramatic “vampire bite” effect be the star of the show. It’s always a hit, no matter how you serve it!

Nutrition Facts for Vampire Poke Cake

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of this delicious cake:

Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Vampire Poke Cake

Storing this spooky treat is super simple, and it’s one of those Easy cake recipes that holds up beautifully. After the cake has completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you have any leftovers beyond that, don’t worry! You can freeze portions of the cake for up to 3 months. Just wrap each slice securely in plastic wrap, then in foil, to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice from the fridge, it’s ready to eat as is. If you’re reheating a frozen slice, I recommend thawing it overnight in the refrigerator first. For a slightly warmer treat, you can gently reheat a thawed slice in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, just until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as the whipped cream topping can melt!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vampire Poke Cake

What is a vampire poke cake?

A Vampire Poke Cake is a fun, festive dessert typically made for Halloween or spooky-themed parties. It starts with a cake that has holes poked into it, usually while still warm, and then a flavorful sauce, often red like “vampire blood,” is poured over the top to soak into the cake. It’s a visually striking and delicious way to celebrate the season.

Can I use a different flavor for the poke sauce?

You absolutely can! While the cherry sauce gives it that signature “vampire blood” look, you could experiment with other red sauces like strawberry or raspberry puree. For a different theme, a green lime or kiwi sauce could work too. The key is to have a liquid that can soak into the poked holes and add moisture and flavor to your cake.

How do I make this an easy poke cake recipe for Halloween?

To make this an Easy poke cake recipe for Halloween, I recommend preparing the cherry sauce and the cake batter separately. You can even make the sauce a day ahead! When it’s time to assemble, the poking and filling are straightforward. The decorating with whipped cream and extra sauce is also very forgiving, so don’t stress about perfection. It’s all about the fun, spooky effect!

What kind of cake base works best for a Vampire Poke Cake?

While this recipe uses a delicious almond buttermilk cake, many cake bases work well. A white or yellow cake mix from a box would be a super quick option for an even easier Halloween dessert. You could also use a red velvet cake mix to enhance the “vampire” theme, or a simple chocolate cake for a darker, moodier feel. The important part is that the cake is sturdy enough to hold the sauce.

Variations of Vampire Poke Cake You Can Try

While I absolutely adore this classic almond cherry version, there are so many fun ways to customize your Vampire Poke Cake! If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, consider a Red poke cake with chocolate twist. You could use a chocolate cake base and a rich chocolate pudding or ganache for the filling, which would be wonderfully decadent. For a fruity alternative that still screams Halloween, a Strawberry poke cake Halloween variation using strawberry cake mix and a vibrant strawberry sauce would be delightful. You could also try a gluten-free version by using your favorite gluten-free flour blend and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. For a quicker method, feel free to use a box cake mix and prepared pudding or sauce!