why make this recipe
A Black Forest Poke Cake is a delightful twist on the classic German dessert. It combines rich chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and creamy whipped topping into a moist and flavorful treat. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or just a special dessert at home, this cake is easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s incredibly simple thanks to the poke cake method, allowing the delicious fillings to infuse into every bite.
how to make Black Forest Poke Cake
Ingredients:
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
Poke Filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) of cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries)
- 1 cup of chocolate syrup
Topping:
- 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
Suggested Substitutions:
- Eggs: Use applesauce or a flaxseed mixture for a vegan option.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Cherry Pie Filling: Fresh cherries or mixed berries can be used for a twist.
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Pour the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup over the cherry filling for extra flavor.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream topping over the entire cake.
- Finish by sprinkling chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
how to serve Black Forest Poke Cake
Serve the Black Forest Poke Cake chilled after it has set in the fridge. Slice it into squares and place each piece on a dessert plate. You can add extra chocolate shavings or a cherry on top for an appealing finish that guests will love.
how to store Black Forest Poke Cake
Store any leftover Black Forest Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For best results, cover the cake with plastic wrap before sealing to keep it moist.
tips to make Black Forest Poke Cake
- Make sure to poke the holes deep enough so the cherry filling and chocolate syrup can soak in.
- Use a high-quality chocolate cake mix or bake your own for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream topping by adding more or less powdered sugar according to your taste.
variation
Try adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, to the topping or even mixed berries for a different fruity flavor. You can also switch out the chocolate cake for vanilla or red velvet cake for a fun twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries if you prefer a more natural flavor. Just pit and slice them before adding to the cake.
2. How long can the cake be stored in the refrigerator?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Be sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and follow the same instructions.
Black Forest Poke Cake
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on the classic German dessert, this Black Forest Poke Cake layers rich chocolate cake with sweet cherries and creamy whipped topping for a moist and flavorful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 can (21 oz) of cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries)
- 1 cup of chocolate syrup
- 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Pour the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup over the cherry filling for extra flavor.
- Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream topping over the entire cake.
- Sprinkle chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 120 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Make sure to poke the holes deep enough for the cherry filling and chocolate syrup to soak in. You can substitute fresh cherries for the pie filling for a more natural flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
