This Black Forest Poke Cake is a decadent dessert that brings together a moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and creamy whipped topping, all finished with chocolate shavings. It’s an easy, flavorful twist on the traditional Black Forest cake that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how easy this Black Forest Poke Cake is to make, yet it delivers the rich, indulgent flavors that remind me of a classic Black Forest dessert. The moist chocolate cake is soaked in cherry pie filling and sweetened condensed milk, creating a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. The whipped cream topping and chocolate shavings add the perfect finishing touch, making it a perfect balance of sweet and creamy. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special celebration, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the package)
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup chocolate shavings or chocolate curls
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven according to the chocolate cake mix instructions. Prepare and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan as directed on the package.
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
In a small bowl, mix the cherry pie filling with the vanilla extract. Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.
Sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings and garnish with maraschino cherries if desired.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, I keep the Black Forest Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream topping stays fresh, but if you plan on keeping it for longer, it’s best to serve it within a couple of days for the best texture. I don’t recommend reheating the cake, as it’s best served chilled to maintain its delightful texture.
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FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, I can make this cake up to 1 day in advance. It actually gets even better as it sits in the fridge, allowing the flavors to soak in and meld together.
Can I use a different fruit filling instead of cherry?
Definitely! While the cherry filling is traditional, I’ve tried this cake with blueberry or raspberry pie filling, and it works wonderfully. Just make sure to use a fruit filling with a similar texture.
How do I make the whipped cream topping thicker?
To make the whipped cream firmer, I beat it with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. If I need extra stability, I sometimes add a tablespoon of cornstarch or cream of tartar to the whipped cream while beating.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, I can use fresh cherries if I prefer, but I recommend cooking them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a similar thick consistency to the canned pie filling.
Can I make this cake without the chocolate shavings?
Of course! The chocolate shavings are just for garnish, so it’s perfectly fine to skip them or use another form of chocolate like chocolate chips if I prefer.
Conclusion
This Black Forest Poke Cake is a simple yet show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream into one delightful treat. It’s the perfect addition to any occasion, offering both the indulgent flavors of a classic Black Forest cake and the ease of a poke cake. I love how this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to for any dessert table.
📖 Recipe:
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Black Forest Poke Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Black Forest Poke Cake is an indulgent dessert that combines moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and whipped cream topping for an irresistible treat. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a delicious twist on the classic Black Forest cake that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the package)
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup chocolate shavings or chocolate curls
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the chocolate cake mix instructions. Prepare and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan as directed on the package.
- Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
- In a small bowl, mix the cherry pie filling with the vanilla extract. Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.
- Sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings and garnish with maraschino cherries if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Make ahead: This cake can be made up to 1 day in advance, and it gets even better as the flavors meld together in the fridge.
Substitutions: Feel free to use blueberry or raspberry pie filling if you want a twist. Fresh cherries can be used if you cook them down with sugar and cornstarch.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled and will maintain its texture if stored properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 380 kcal
