Black Forest Poke Cake: The Easiest Chocolate Cherry Dream

Black forest poke cake, oh, what a dream it is! This isn’t just any cake; it’s a sweet symphony of chocolate, cherries, and creamy goodness, all nestled in a moist, tender crumb. This decadent treat reminds me of cozy evenings spent with family, sharing laughter and creating memories that last a lifetime. This black forest poke cake is a celebration of simple pleasures and heartwarming flavors, perfect for any occasion!

Why You Will Love This black forest poke cake Recipe

Let’s be real: baking can sometimes feel like a chore, but this poke cake? It’s pure joy! Not only is it incredibly easy to throw together, but the result is a moist chocolate cake that is bursting with flavor and sure to impress. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice, the creamy whipped topping melting in your mouth alongside the sweet cherry filling and rich chocolate cake. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

This recipe is special because it’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but elegant enough to serve at a special gathering. The moist chocolate cake soaked in cherry juice makes it ridiculously delicious. It’s an easy layered desserts that’s perfect for potlucks or birthday parties. And let’s not forget the presentation! It’s as beautiful as it is delectable!

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Ingredients Needed for This black forest poke cake Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing chocolate cherry cake:

• For the Cake:

* 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box for preparation, usually eggs, oil, and water)

• For the Cherry Soak:

* 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling * ½ cup cherry juice (drained from the canned cherry pie filling)

• For the Topping:

* 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed * Chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional) * Maraschino cherries, stemmed, for garnish (optional)

How to Make This black forest poke cake Recipe

Get ready to bake up some magic with these simple steps:

1. 1. Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake as directed on the box, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Typically, this is around 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Let the cake cool slightly.

1. 2. Poke the Holes: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake. Make sure to space the holes evenly, about 1 inch apart.

1. 3. Prepare the Cherry Soak: In a bowl, combine the cherry pie filling with the cherry juice. Spoon this mixture evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.

1. 4. Chill the Cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to become moist and delicious.

1. 5. Add the Topping: Once the cake is thoroughly chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top.

1. 6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chocolate shavings and/or maraschino cherries, if desired. Cut into squares and serve cold.

How about trying my Authentic Irish Tea Cake 2 for another delightful dessert?

How to Serve This black forest poke cake Recipe

This decadent dessert is best served chilled. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of this chocolate cherry cake elevates the experience. You can even add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra flair. For a sophisticated presentation, consider serving individual slices on dessert plates with a sprig of mint.

How to Store This black forest poke cake Recipe

To maintain its moist and creamy texture, store any leftover black forest poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing is not recommended, as the whipped topping may become watery upon thawing.

Reheating is not necessary; enjoy it straight from the fridge!

Tips to Make This black forest poke cake Recipe

• Cake Mix Magic: Feel free to use your favorite chocolate cake mix or even a homemade chocolate cake recipe.
• Cherry Swap: If you’re not a fan of cherry pie filling, you can use a different fruit filling, such as raspberry or blueberry.
• Whipped Cream Dreams: For a richer topping, use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping.
• Chocolate Boost: Add chocolate chips or chunks to the cake batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
• Ensure the cake is poked thoroughly to allow even soaking of the cherry mixture. This helps keep the moist chocolate cake texture consistent across the dessert.
• Allowing the cake to chill for several hours or overnight lets the flavors meld and the cake to absorb the cherry mixture properly. This is key to the final taste and texture of the cake.

Helpful Notes for This black forest poke cake Recipe

Cherry pie filling comes in various thicknesses, which can affect how well it soaks into the cake. If your filling seems too thick, adding a bit more cherry juice can thin it out. Ensure even coverage to keep cake moist throughout.

You can use a store bought whipped topping or prepare your own delicious homemade whipped cream.

Consider adding a touch of almond extract.

Maybe you want another cake article like my Irish Apple Cake Recipe.

Variation of This black forest poke cake Recipe

• Chocolate Overload: Mix chocolate pudding with the whipped topping for an even richer chocolate experience.
• Peppermint Twist: During the holidays, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the whipped topping for a festive flavor.
• Coconut Dream: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the finished cake for a tropical twist.

Conclusion

So there you have it—the ultimate black forest poke cake! This easy layered desserts is perfect for any occasion, from casual get togethers to more formal celebrations. With its luscious flavors and simple preparation, I hope that you found a new recipe to add to your rotation because I know I have. Go ahead, give this black forest poke cake recipe a try and let me know what you think!

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