Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe

If you love the deliciously dramatic flavors of chocolate and cherry, this Black Forest Poke Cake will steal your heart from the very first bite! Imagine a moist chocolate cake infused with rich chocolate pudding, swirled with luscious cherry pie filling, and topped off with billowy clouds of whipped topping and chocolate shavings. This showstopping dessert takes all the iconic elements of a Black Forest cake and spins them into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat that instantly upgrades any celebration or weeknight dinner. Each layer brings its own magic, making every forkful a decadent surprise!

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Black Forest Poke Cake couldn’t be simpler, yet each one plays a starring role in creating that unforgettable combination of moist cake, gooey filling, and creamy topping. Here’s what you’ll need and why every single item matters:

• Chocolate Cake Mix: The cake mix is your fail-proof shortcut to a tender, chocolatey base, ready in a snap.
• Eggs, Oil, and Water (as listed on cake mix): These pantry staples bring the cake mix to life, ensuring a fluffy crumb and just the right richness.
• Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: This transforms the cake from basic to ultra-moist and decadent, seeping into every nook and cranny.
• Cold Milk: Only cold milk will give the pudding its perfect creamy texture and help it thicken properly.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet-tart cherries add signature flavor and the classic Black Forest color contrast.
• Whipped Topping (thawed): Fluffy, airy whipped topping gives a frosty finish and balances out the richness below.
• Mini Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Shavings: These add crunch and extra bursts of chocolate in every mouthful—don’t skip them!
• Maraschino Cherries (optional): For a classic bakery-style flourish, top each slice with a jewel-like maraschino cherry.

How to Make Black Forest Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Start by preparing the chocolate cake mix exactly as directed on the box using eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, usually about 30 minutes. Let the cake cool for just 10 minutes so it’s still warm but not steaming hot—this helps the pudding soak in later!

Step 2: Poke Lots of Holes

Once the cake has cooled slightly, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about an inch apart. Don’t be shy here! These tunnels are what let the pudding mingle perfectly with every bite, so go for plenty of deep, evenly spaced holes.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chocolate Pudding

In a medium bowl, briskly whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes. When the mixture is smooth, luscious, and just barely beginning to thicken, it’s ready to go onto the cake.

Step 4: Pour and Spread the Pudding

Pour the prepared pudding evenly over the poked cake while the pudding is still pourable. Use a spatula to gently coax the pudding into all the holes and across the surface, making sure every pocket gets filled. The pudding will begin soaking in right away, turning your cake extra tender and chocolatey!

Step 5: Add the Cherry Pie Filling

Once the pudding is settled, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly spread—the idea is to have rich, ruby red cherries peeking out in every bite, bringing bursts of fruity flavor and a pop of gorgeous color.

Step 6: Chill the Cake

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place the whole thing in the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling time lets all the luscious layers set, marrying the flavors together into a truly decadent Black Forest Poke Cake.

Step 7: Top with Whipped Topping and Chocolate

When you’re ready to serve, spread the thawed whipped topping generously over the chilled cake. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings over the top, and finish with maraschino cherries for that classic bakery look. Slice, serve, and watch everyone swoon!

How to Serve Black Forest Poke Cake

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, let your creativity shine! A generous dusting of chocolate shavings, curls, or mini chips adds irresistible crunch and visual drama, while a single maraschino cherry on each slice is pure vintage charm. If you want to go a step fancier, a drizzle of cherry juice or a touch of edible gold leaf will impress any dinner guest.

Side Dishes

Since this cake is already quite the star, simple sides are best. I love serving it with a cup of rich coffee, an espresso, or a glass of cold milk. Fresh berries on the side are a nice, tart contrast, or try a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly over-the-top dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Poke cake doesn’t have to stay in the pan! Cut the Black Forest Poke Cake into individual squares and serve in cupcake liners for a fun party treat, or try layering slices in clear parfait glasses for the prettiest Black Forest trifle. For a birthday twist, arrange the cake on a platter, add candles, and let the celebration begin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover the leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. In fact, Black Forest Poke Cake gets even better as it sits—the layers meld and the flavors become richer overnight!

Freezing

If you want to freeze your cake, do so before adding the whipped topping and garnishes. Wrap individual squares or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then top with whipped topping and chocolate before serving.

Reheating

This cake is designed to be served chilled, which makes it super convenient! There’s no need to reheat—just let it soften for a few minutes at room temperature if it’s especially cold, and enjoy the creamy, dreamy layers straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make Black Forest Poke Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this cake gets even tastier when made a day ahead. All those wonderful layers get to soak and meld together. Just wait to add the whipped topping and garnishes until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?

You sure can. If you have a favorite from-scratch chocolate cake recipe, feel free to use it in place of the boxed mix—just be sure it fits a standard 9×13-inch pan so everything layers perfectly.

What if I can’t find cherry pie filling?

Fresh or frozen sour cherries simmered with a bit of sugar make a delicious homemade cherry topping. Or try using a different pie filling like raspberry or strawberry for a yummy twist on Black Forest Poke Cake!

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes! Look for a dairy-free chocolate pudding mix and whipped topping. Sub in your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat) for the pudding. It’s easy to make Black Forest Poke Cake suitable for almost any crowd.

How should I transport Black Forest Poke Cake?

For potlucks or family gatherings, keep your cake chilled until it’s time to head out. If the event is outside, nestle the pan on top of a tray of ice packs to keep it cool and the whipped topping nice and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a big, generous slice of Black Forest Poke Cake with friends and family. With its dreamy chocolate layers, sweet cherries, and billowy whipped topping, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any table. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because, this is one dessert you’ll turn to again and again—give it a try and watch it disappear!

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