When my kids were little, birthdays were a huge deal. Every year, I tried to bake something extra special, something that would make their eyes light up. But let’s be honest, life with three energetic little ones means time is always at a premium.

I needed a dessert that looked and tasted like a showstopper but didn’t require me to spend all day in the kitchen. That’s when I first discovered the magic of poke cakes. They are brilliant!

You bake a cake, poke holes in it, then pour a delicious liquid over it, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful treat. One year, my eldest, Lily, asked for a “chocolate and cherry cake.” Immediately, my mind went to the classic Black Forest flavors. I knew a traditional Black Forest cake would be too much for my schedule, but a Black Forest Poke Cake?

That sounded perfect. This Black Forest Poke Cake turned into an instant family favorite. It delivers all those rich, decadent chocolate and tart cherry notes, complete with creamy whipped topping, but without any of the fuss.

It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary – a dessert that tastes like pure love. Every time I bake this Black Forest Poke Cake, I’m reminded of those precious moments, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will adore this Black Forest Poke Cake because it marries convenience with incredible flavor. First off, it’s wonderfully easy. We start with a simple cake mix, so much of the hard work is already done for you.

Then, we infuse it with a double dose of cherry and chocolate goodness. The sweetened condensed milk makes every bite incredibly moist, almost like a truffle. Moreover, the tart cherry pie filling beautifully cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

This Black Forest Poke Cake recipe is also a fantastic crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a sweet weeknight treat. It has that nostalgic, comforting appeal that everyone recognizes and loves. Plus, it looks absolutely stunning with its chocolate shavings and fresh cherry garnish, making it appear far more complex than it actually is. It’s a dessert that truly speaks to the heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Black Forest Poke Cake requires just a few readily available ingredients. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store. I always emphasize simplicity in my recipes, and this one is no exception. Gathering these items is the first step towards creating a truly memorable dessert.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix	1 box (15.25 oz)	Plus ingredients to prepare (eggs, oil, water/milk)
Sweetened Condensed Milk	1 can (14 oz)	Do NOT use evaporated milk
Cherry Pie Filling	1 can (21 oz)	Look for good quality filling with whole cherries
Frozen Whipped Topping	1 container (16 oz)	Thawed; like Cool Whip
Chocolate Shavings or Chips	1/4 cup	For garnish
Fresh Cherries	1/2 cup	Pitted and halved, for garnish (optional)

Substitutions & Variations

This Black Forest Poke Cake is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. For the cake base, while chocolate fudge cake mix is classic, a devil’s food cake mix or even a dark chocolate cake mix works beautifully.

You could even use a homemade chocolate cake recipe if you have extra time. If you’re not a huge fan of cherry pie filling, consider using a good quality cherry preserves or even a homemade cherry compote for a fresher taste.

For the “poke” liquid, instead of just sweetened condensed milk, you could mix in a tablespoon of kirsch (cherry brandy) for a more authentic Black Forest flavor, if you’re serving adults. Another fantastic idea for this Black Forest Poke Cake is to swirl in a little melted dark chocolate into the sweetened condensed milk before pouring it over the cake, adding another layer of richness.

For the whipped topping, while frozen whipped topping is super convenient, homemade whipped cream is always a delightful choice. Simply whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. You can also add a touch of almond extract for an interesting twist.

Toppings offer endless possibilities! Instead of just chocolate shavings, consider a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Make this Black Forest Poke Cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.

For a dairy-free option, ensure your cake mix is dairy-free, use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk substitute, and a plant-based whipped topping. This versatile cherry chocolate poke cake truly allows you to make it your own!

If you love to experiment with your baking, you might also enjoy a delightful recipe like Blackberry Cobbler with Cake Mix. This twist on dessert allows you to play around with flavors, similar to how you can customize the Black Forest Poke Cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crafting this delightful Black Forest Poke Cake is a simple and rewarding process. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert in no time.

1. Prepare the Cake: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Next, prepare the chocolate fudge cake mix according to the package directions. My box usually calls for eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan.

Bake the cake for 28-33 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Poke the Holes: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes.

While still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure your holes go almost all the way to the bottom. I usually make about 20-25 holes, evenly spaced.

This is the crucial step that creates the incredibly moist texture of this Black Forest Poke Cake.
3. Pour the Liquids: Now, open your can of sweetened condensed milk.

Slowly and carefully pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Next, spoon the cherry pie filling over the condensed milk layer, spreading it evenly across the top. Gently press some of the cherry filling down into the holes, too, if you can.

4. Chill Time: Cover the cake pan loosely with plastic wrap. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

This chilling time is essential. It allows the liquids to fully absorb and meld, giving your Black Forest Poke Cake its signature moistness and flavor.
5.

Top and Garnish: Once the cake is thoroughly chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the cherry layer. Finally, sprinkle generously with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips.

If using, arrange fresh pitted and halved cherries on top for an extra touch of elegance and freshness.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your magnificent Black Forest Poke Cake. Each bite delivers a burst of chocolate, cherry, and creamy goodness.

Pro Tips for Success

Making this Black Forest Poke Cake is straightforward, but a few insider tips can elevate your results from great to truly spectacular. First, don’t overbake your cake. An overbaked cake will be dry, and even the poke method won’t fully rescue it.

Keep an eye on the clock and check for doneness with a skewer. The moment it comes out clean, it’s ready. Second, poke the holes while the cake is still warm.

The warmth helps the cake absorb the sweetened condensed milk and cherry filling much more efficiently, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor penetration throughout this Black Forest Poke Cake. Use a wooden spoon handle or the blunt end of a chopstick for nice, wide holes.

Third, chill time is your friend. Resist the temptation to rush the chilling process. Those minimum two hours in the fridge are non-negotiable for the liquids to fully absorb and for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Overnight chilling delivers the best results for this cherry chocolate poke cake. Fourth, use good quality ingredients. While we start with a cake mix, choosing a decent brand of cherry pie filling can make a noticeable difference in taste.

Fifth, for an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or vanilla extract to the whipped topping before spreading it. It brightens the whole dessert. Finally, when garnishing your Black Forest Poke Cake, fresh, pitted cherries not only look beautiful but also add a wonderful textural contrast and fresh tartness. This simple Black Forest Poke Cake recipe is truly foolproof with these simple steps.

To further improve your cake-baking skills, consider checking out Key Lime Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Topping. This cake offers additional tips that can elevate your Black Forest Poke Cake to new heights.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This Black Forest Poke Cake stores beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert. After assembling and serving, any leftovers need proper storage to maintain their freshness and flavor. First, ensure the cake is completely covered.

You can place plastic wrap directly over the surface of the cake, or simply cover the entire baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, refrigerate the Black Forest Poke Cake promptly. Because of the dairy and fruit components, it must be kept cold.

The cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen and develop further after a day or two, making it even more delicious! I don’t recommend freezing the entire assembled Black Forest Poke Cake.

The whipped topping and creamy filling can change texture after thawing, becoming watery or separated. However, you could bake the chocolate cake layer, poke the holes, and pour the sweetened condensed milk and cherry filling, then freeze that base *before* adding the whipped topping. Wrap it very tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it can last for about a month.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add the whipped topping and garnishes before serving. For best enjoyment, always serve this delightful cherry chocolate poke cake chilled directly from the refrigerator. No reheating is necessary – it’s perfect cold!

What to Serve With This Recipe

This Black Forest Poke Cake is a dessert that truly shines on its own. Its rich chocolate, tart cherries, and creamy topping provide a complete flavor experience. However, a few simple accompaniments can enhance the enjoyment without overwhelming it.

For beverages, a classic cup of hot coffee or a warm mug of black tea makes a wonderful pairing. The slight bitterness of coffee or tea beautifully complements the sweetness of the cake. For non-coffee drinkers, a glass of cold milk or a refreshing glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon offers a nice contrast.

Because this Black Forest Poke Cake is quite rich, I often serve it after a lighter meal. Think grilled chicken with a fresh salad, or a simple pasta dish. It’s too substantial to follow a heavy roast, in my opinion!

For a special occasion, you could consider a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side, but honestly, it really doesn’t need it. The cake is perfectly moist and flavorful by itself. This Black Forest Poke Cake recipe is truly meant to be the star of your dessert table, bringing smiles and satisfaction with every single forkful.

While the Black Forest Poke Cake is delightful on its own, serving it alongside Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars can create a wonderful dessert table. These bars provide a different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and cherry of the poke cake.

FAQs

Can I make Black Forest Poke Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this Black Forest Poke Cake benefits greatly from chilling overnight. The extended refrigeration allows the sweetened condensed milk and cherry filling to fully absorb into the cake, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful dessert. Just add the whipped topping and garnishes right before serving for the freshest look.

What kind of cake mix works best?

A chocolate fudge cake mix is ideal for this Black Forest Poke Cake as it provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor. You can also use a devil’s food cake mix or even a dark chocolate cake mix. Any standard 15.25-ounce box will work perfectly.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can! If you prefer a less sweet, more natural cherry flavor, you can use fresh pitted cherries cooked down slightly with a little sugar and a touch of cornstarch to create a thick compote. Just make sure it’s cooled before spooning it over the cake for your Black Forest Poke Cake.

Why do you poke holes in the cake?

Poking holes in the cake is the signature technique of a poke cake. It creates channels for the liquid (in this case, sweetened condensed milk and cherry pie filling) to seep into the cake. This infusion makes the cake incredibly moist, adds layers of flavor, and creates the unique texture of this Black Forest Poke Cake.

How long does Black Forest Poke Cake last in the fridge?

When properly covered and refrigerated, your Black Forest Poke Cake will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully over time, often making it taste even better on the second day!

The Black Forest Poke Cake is a modern take on the classic German dessert known for its layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream. This variation simplifies the process, allowing more people to enjoy its delicious chocolate and cherry flavors in an easy-to-make format, much like those traditional cakes found in German cuisine.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used and exact serving sizes. This is a treat, meant to be enjoyed!

Nutrient	Amount (Estimate)
Calories	380 kcal
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	300mg
Total Carbohydrates	55g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	40g
Protein	4g