Black Forest Poke Cake

Get ready to meet the dessert that turns heads, wins hearts, and disappears in seconds Black Forest Poke Cake. It’s like someone took the elegance of Black Forest cake, added the fun of a poke cake, and created the ultimate chocolaty-cherry mashup. It’s rich, moist, and unapologetically indulgent, yet surprisingly easy to make.

Imagine a soft chocolate cake soaked in sweet cherry juice, layered with cherries, silky chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, then topped with chocolate curls or shavings. It’s dreamy, decadent, and ridiculously delicious. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with every bite.

Why You’ll Love Black Forest Poke Cake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite

Versatile Works beautifully for birthdays, holidays, or just because you want cake
Budget-Friendly Uses boxed mix and a few easy ingredients fancy flavor without the fuss
Quick and Easy A few simple steps and it’s ready to chill
Customizable Try different puddings or fruit toppings for your own twist
Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite

Ingredients in Black Forest Poke Cake

Here’s the lineup of what makes this cake so ridiculously good

Chocolate Cake Mix The base of it all rich moist and super chocolatey
Eggs Oil and Water The classic mix-ins to bring your cake mix to life
Cherry Pie Filling Sweet tart and juicy these cherries bring the “Black Forest” flavor
Sweetened Condensed Milk Poured into the poked cake to soak every bite with sweet creaminess
Chocolate Pudding Instant pudding makes this extra rich and lush
Milk For the pudding it helps everything set to the perfect texture
Whipped Topping Light and fluffy it brings balance to all the rich layers
Chocolate Shavings or Curls For that final dramatic finish
Optional Maraschino Cherries For garnish if you’re feeling fancy

(Note the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece

Preheat Your Equipment Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish

Combine Ingredients Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the box instructions using the eggs oil and water

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel Pour the cake batter into the prepared dish and smooth it out evenly

Cook to Perfection Bake according to the package instructions until a toothpick comes out clean

Poke and Soak Let the cake cool slightly then use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake and let it seep in

Add Cherry Love Spread the cherry pie filling over the entire cake pressing gently so the cherries settle into the holes

Mix the Pudding In a separate bowl whisk together the pudding mix and milk until thickened then spread it over the cherry layer

Finishing Touches Spread the whipped topping over the pudding layer and top with chocolate curls or shavings

Serve and Enjoy Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set then slice and serve chilled

Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
Calories per serving approx. 430

Preparation Time
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling time)

How to Serve Black Forest Poke Cake

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience
Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert
Add fresh cherries on top for a pop of color and juicy bite
Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving
Serve in tall dessert glasses layered like a trifle for a fancier presentation
Pair with espresso or coffee to balance the sweetness

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Use a fork or chopstick if you don’t have a wooden spoon handle for poking
Chill overnight for even better flavor and texture
Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the condensed milk for a boozy twist
Use homemade whipped cream if you prefer a less sweet topping
Double the chocolate pudding for extra richness

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a homemade chocolate cake instead of boxed mix
Absolutely just make sure it’s baked in a 9×13-inch pan

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time
Yes it actually tastes better the next day after chilling

3. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling
Yes cook them down with sugar and cornstarch for a quick homemade filling

4. How long will it last in the fridge
Up to 4–5 days covered in the refrigerator

5. Can I freeze poke cake
It’s not recommended because of the pudding and whipped topping

6. What pudding flavor works best
Chocolate or dark chocolate are classic but vanilla or cheesecake work too

7. Can I use Cool Whip alternatives
Yes use any whipped topping or make your own stabilized whipped cream

8. What’s the best way to make chocolate curls
Use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar at room temperature

9. Can I make it gluten-free
Use a gluten-free cake mix and check that all other ingredients are safe

10. Is this cake overly sweet
It’s sweet but balanced by the cherries and whipped topping

Conclusion

Black Forest Poke Cake is the dessert that delivers everything you love chocolatey richness fruity brightness creamy layers and that satisfying bite you get from every chilled forkful. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just treating yourself to something decadent it’s one of those cakes you’ll come back to again and again. So grab that spoon poke away and get ready to fall in love with every layer

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