# Components:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box (15.2 oz) chocolate cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1 cup cherry cola (not diet)
→ Filling
05 - 1 box (3.2 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
06 - 2 cups cold cherry cola
→ Topping
07 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream
08 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1 can (10.5 oz) cherry pie filling or fresh pitted cherries
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and cherry cola in a large bowl. Beat until smooth. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
03 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
04 - Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly spaced about 3/4 inch apart across the surface.
05 - Whisk instant pudding mix and 2 cups cold cherry cola in a medium bowl for 2 minutes until thickened.
06 - Pour or spoon the pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
07 - Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour until fully chilled and pudding is set.
08 - Using a cold bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
09 - Spread whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake and top with cherry pie filling or fresh cherries before serving.
