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

Scale

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)

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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.