If you adore rich chocolate and the tart sweetness of cherries, then you are in for a treat with this Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe. This delightfully moist cake combines the intense flavor of chocolate with luscious cherry filling and a creamy whipped topping, creating a dessert that feels both decadent and refreshingly light. Poking the cake allows the cherry and sweetened condensed milk to infuse every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to making this Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe come alive. Each one brings its own magic—chocolate for richness, cherries for vibrant color and tang, and creaminess from the whipped topping to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Chocolate cake mix and package ingredients: The base for a moist, rich cake that’s quick to bake and always reliable.
- Cherry pie filling (21 oz): Bursting with sweet-tart cherries, this adds the signature flavor and juicy texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz): Adds a creamy, caramel-like sweetness that seeps into the cake’s pores.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the cherry filling with a subtle warm aroma and depth of flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whipped into fluffy peaks, it provides the perfect airy topping.
- Powdered sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the whipped cream just right without being overpowering.
- Chocolate shavings or curls (1/2 cup): Adds a pretty and flavorful finishing touch with a bit of crunch.
- Maraschino cherries (optional): For a classic garnish that lifts the presentation and taste.
How to Make Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on your chocolate cake mix box. Prepare and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan just as the package directs. This cake forms the perfect foundation—soft, moist, and ready to soak up all the delicious layers that follow.
Step 2: Cool and Poke
Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes until it’s warm but manageable. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the entire surface. These holes are the secret spots where all the cherry and creamy goodness will seep in, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Add Cherry Filling
Mix the cherry pie filling with the vanilla extract in a small bowl, blending those flavors beautifully. Spread this mixture over the top of the cake, making sure the cherries and juice settle deep into the holes you poked earlier. It creates a juicy, fruity layer that perfectly complements the chocolate.
Step 4: Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk
Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cherry-topped cake. This sticky, sweet layer sinks down through the holes, adding richness and keeping the cake incredibly moist. It’s like giving your cake a luscious, creamy hug!
Step 5: Chill to Meld Flavors
Cover your cake and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the chocolate, cherries, and sweetened condensed milk to meld into one harmonious, indulgent dessert. Patience here really pays off.
Step 6: Whip the Topping
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This fluffy topping is the perfect, light contrast to the rich cake beneath, lending a fresh creaminess that’s irresistible.
Step 7: Assemble and Garnish
Spread the whipped cream smoothly over your chilled cake. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or curls and top with maraschino cherries if you like. These final touches give your Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe that picture-perfect and indulgent finish.
How to Serve Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe to stunning heights. Chocolate curls provide texture and a fancy look, while maraschino cherries add that classic pop of color and extra sweetness. Fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing hint of green and aroma that pleasantly complements the dessert.
Side Dishes
This cake shines perfectly on its own, but if you want to pair it with something, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of additional whipped cream never fails. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad on the side can also provide a nice balance to the richness, keeping every bite interesting and enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, try serving this cake in individual glass trifle cups layered with extra cherry filling and whipped cream. Alternatively, cut it into elegant squares and plate with a drizzle of chocolate or cherry sauce. These ideas make the dessert feel extra special, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—and believe me, you will—store your Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe tightly covered in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, making it tastier with each bite.
Freezing
While you can freeze the cake, the whipped cream topping doesn’t always hold up well to freezing and thawing. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the whipped cream layer. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled, so reheating is generally unnecessary and not recommended. If you prefer room temperature, just take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off gently.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! Using your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe will add a personal touch, though the box mix keeps things quick and foolproof. Just make sure the cake is sturdy enough to hold the fillings and poking.
What can I substitute for cherry pie filling?
If you want to get creative, fresh cherry compote or even raspberry pie filling can work. Just keep in mind that pie filling has a thicker consistency that soaks well into the cake’s holes.
Is there a dairy-free option for the whipped topping?
Yes! You can use coconut cream or other plant-based whipping creams available at many stores. Just whip them similarly with powdered sugar until you get nice peaks.
How long should I chill the cake before serving?
At minimum, chill for one hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. If you have more time, chilling for 2-3 hours will make the cake even more moist and flavorful.
Can I prepare the cake a day ahead?
Definitely. In fact, preparing the cake a day ahead is great because chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture. Just add the whipped topping the day you plan to serve for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures that’s impressively simple to make. With its moist chocolate cake, juicy cherries, creamy layers, and fluffy whipped topping, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a delicious favorite you’ll love sharing with family and friends.
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Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Black Forest Poke Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, featuring a moist chocolate cake infused with cherry pie filling and sweetened condensed milk, topped with fluffy whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and optional maraschino cherries. Perfect for gatherings, this easy-to-make poke cake combines rich chocolate and fruity cherry flavors for a stunning and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the package)
Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Topping
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or chocolate curls
- Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Cake: Preheat your oven according to the chocolate cake mix package instructions. Prepare the cake batter and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan as directed on the package until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the baked cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes to make poking easier without crumbling.
- Poke Holes: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake. This will allow the fillings to soak into the cake layers.
- Prepare Cherry Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cherry pie filling with the vanilla extract and mix well, then spread this mixture evenly over the top of the cake, making sure it seeps down into the holes.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes along with the cherry mixture.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together and the cake to set.
- Make Whipped Cream Topping: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, then spread it over the chilled cake.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls over the whipped cream. Optionally, top with maraschino cherries for an authentic Black Forest touch. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the cake has cooled slightly before poking holes to prevent it from breaking apart.
- For a richer cherry flavor, use fresh or homemade cherry pie filling instead of canned.
- The cake should be well chilled before adding the whipped cream topping to maintain its structure.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this dessert ahead of time, assemble it a day before serving for deeper flavor penetration.
