There’s something truly magical about the combination of chocolate and cherries, especially when you transform it into a Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Poke Cake. This moist, indulgent dessert brings back sweet memories of childhood birthday parties and holiday gatherings, where every slice is met with delight and excitement. Perfectly spongy and soaked through with sweetened condensed milk, each bite melts in your mouth, revealing bursts of cherry pie filling nestled within. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a summer picnic or simply craving a slice of something special after dinner, this poke cake recipe is a lifesaver. It not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also takes very little effort—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something easy yet decadent. Trust me, the irresistible layers of whipped topping and chocolate shavings on this cake will have your family coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Ready to make your dessert dreams come true? Here’s exactly how to make it.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
For the Topping
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups cherry pie filling
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate shavings
- ½ cup maraschino cherries
Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil or melted coconut oil for a different flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly Fun — Perfect for a family baking project, as kids can help poke holes and decorate with cherries.
- Incredible Moistness — Soaked with sweetened condensed milk, each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s truly unforgettable.
- Simple Ingredients — You likely have most of the pantry staples on hand, making it easy to whip up on a whim.
- Make-Ahead Delight — Preparing this cake ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring it's at its best when served.
- Gorgeous Presentation — Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this cake is not just delicious but a showstopper for any gathering.
Recipe At a Glance
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 52 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
- Place the chocolate cake mix in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the eggs to the bowl.
- Add the water to the bowl.
- Add the vegetable oil to the bowl.
- Beat the ingredients together until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes evenly across the warm cake using a fork or skewer.
- Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Add the vanilla extract to the whipped topping and stir gently until combined.
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cherry layer.
- Sprinkle the chocolate shavings over the top of the whipped topping.
- Arrange the maraschino cherries over the cake.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to set.
- Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious Black Forest Poke Cake!
Recipe Tips
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Don't Overmix the Batter — When combining your cake ingredients, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which is less desirable for a poke cake that's meant to be light and moist.
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Poke Holes While Warm — Poking the holes in the cake while it's still warm allows the sweetened condensed milk to soak in properly, enhancing the cake's moisture and flavor. Waiting too long will make this step less effective.
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Cool Completely Before Topping — Ensure the cake is fully cooled before adding the whipped topping and other layers. A warm cake may cause the whipped topping to melt and lose its fluffy texture.
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Drizzle with Condensed Milk Slowly — Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake slowly and evenly, allowing time for it to soak into the holes. This helps prevent overflow and ensures every bite is indulgent.
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Use a Baking Sheet underneath — Place a baking sheet or large tray underneath the cake while it's soaking up the condensed milk. This will catch any drips, making cleanup easier and preventing a mess in your fridge.
What to Serve With This
- Vanilla Ice Cream — The creamy sweetness complements the rich chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast.
- Sparkling Cherry Lemonade — The tartness of the lemonade balances out the sweetness of the cake, while its fizz provides a fun, refreshing touch.
- Chocolate-Covered Almonds — Their nutty crunch and additional chocolate flavor create a delightful texture contrast and enhance the cake's rich profile.
- Coffee with a Hint of Cinnamon — The warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon in coffee enhance the cake's richness and provide a cozy, comforting pairing.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store the Black Forest Poke Cake covered in plastic wrap or a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor.
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Freezer: This cake does not freeze well due to its whipped topping and moisture levels. Freezing may affect texture and flavor, so it's best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
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Reheating: To enjoy the cake chilled, simply slice and serve directly from the refrigerator. If you prefer it slightly warmed, remove the desired portion and microwave on low power for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the whipped topping to melt.
Substitutions & Variations
- Eggs — Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg to make the cake vegan and add natural sweetness while keeping the moisture intact.
- Whipped Topping — Substitute with coconut whipped cream to make the dish dairy-free while providing a light tropical flavor that complements the cherries.
- Semisweet Chocolate Shavings — Dark chocolate shavings can be used for a richer flavor profile; this swap enhances the cocoa notes in the cake.
- Cherry Pie Filling — Opt for fresh cherries or frozen cherries cooked down with sugar and cornstarch for a homemade version, providing a more natural taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix instead of chocolate?
Yes, you can use a vanilla or even a red velvet cake mix for a unique twist, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile and the overall essence of the Black Forest Poke Cake.
What if I don’t have cherry pie filling?
You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries, or even another flavored pie filling like raspberry or blueberry, but be aware that the taste and appearance will be different from the original recipe.
How long can I make this cake in advance?
You can make the cake up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, allowing ample time for the sweetened condensed milk to soak in and for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What’s the best way to prevent the whipped topping from melting when serving?
To keep the whipped topping fluffy, ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding it and serve it directly from the refrigerator. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling individual slices briefly before serving.