Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with dessert all over again with this delightfully rich and easy Black Forest Poke Cake. Imagine: velvety chocolate cake, rivers of cherry flavor soaking through every bite, a dreamy layer of whipped topping, and that glint of chocolate chips and maraschino cherries up top. This crowd-pleaser blends all the classic flavors you adore in a Black Forest Cake, but in a fun poke cake format that’s ridiculously simple to make, even on your busiest days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to achieve dessert bliss! Each ingredient here serves a purpose: chocolate for depth, cherries for that signature sweet-tart pop, and a light, fluffy topping to tie it all together. Let’s break down the essentials that make our Black Forest Poke Cake one to remember.

• Devil’s food cake mix: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and a wonderfully moist crumb that’s perfect for absorbing every bit of cherry goodness.
• Eggs, oil, and water (per cake mix instructions): These bring the cake mix to life, creating a tender base that holds up beautifully to poking and soaking.
• Cherry Jell-O mix (3 ounces): Infuses the cake with bold, tangy cherry flavor and adds an eye-catching burst of color.
• Boiling water (1 cup): Perfect for dissolving the gelatin and helping it seep into the cake’s every nook and cranny.
• Cold water (½ cup): Brings down the temperature of the Jell-O mixture so it sets up nicely while the cake chills.
• Cherry pie filling (21 ounces): The star of the show! Big, juicy cherries ensure every slice gets that unmistakable Black Forest flavor.
• Whipped topping (8 ounces): Cool Whip or similar makes for a light, cloudlike finish that won’t overpower the other flavors.
• Mini chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): For a bit of texture and that perfect chocolatey finishing touch—trust me, don’t skip them if you’re a chocoholic.
• Maraschino cherries (optional): Their sweetness and color add that bakery-style flourish and are always a hit with kids (and adults, too!).

How to Make Black Forest Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake

Start by mixing up your devil’s food cake according to the box directions. Pour into your chosen baking pan and bake as instructed until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool on the counter for 5 minutes—that little bit of warmth is just what you want for the poking and soaking magic coming up!

Step 2: Poke the Cake

While the cake is still warm, grab a wooden spoon (or anything with a thick handle) and poke generous holes all over the surface, about 2 inches apart. These holes create little tunnels for the cherry flavor to sneak into every bite, making your Black Forest Poke Cake ultra-moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Mix the Cherry Jell-O

In a heatproof bowl, combine the cherry Jell-O mix with boiling water, stirring until the gelatin granules fully dissolve. Then add the cold water, giving everything a good whisk so the mixture is slightly cooled and ready to pour.

Step 4: Pour Jell-O Over the Cake

Slowly and evenly pour the Jell-O mixture all over the cake, paying special attention to the holes. Watch as the liquid disappears into the cake—this is where the transformation into a true Black Forest Poke Cake happens! Pop the cake in the fridge and let it chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 5: Layer on the Cherry Pie Filling

Once your cake is chilled and set, gently spoon the cherry pie filling over the entire surface. Since the filling has big, luscious cherries, try to spread them out so every slice gets its fair share of fruit.

Step 6: Add Whipped Topping

Spread a thick, fluffy layer of whipped topping over the cherries, smoothing it to the edges to seal in all the juiciness beneath. This creamy cap is what makes Black Forest Poke Cake absolutely irresistible and so easy to decorate.

Step 7: Garnish and Chill

Sprinkle on plenty of mini chocolate chips and dot the top with maraschino cherries, if you’re using them. Give the cake another hour in the fridge for everything to settle and chill perfectly before serving. Now, slice and dig in!

How to Serve Black Forest Poke Cake

Garnishes

For that classic Black Forest look, I love finishing each slice with a few extra mini chocolate chips and a glossy maraschino cherry. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a dusting of grated chocolate or even a swirl of chocolate syrup across the top brings bakery-style drama to your Black Forest Poke Cake.

Side Dishes

Because the cake is so decadent, pair it with simple sides like hot coffee, a cup of black tea, or a glass of milk. If you want to dress things up, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side for a rich, creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into cubes and serving in parfait glasses with layers of extra cherries and cream for a playful twist. Or, slice into small squares and nestle into cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats at potlucks. However you serve it, Black Forest Poke Cake always steals the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually melt together even more overnight, making day-two Black Forest Poke Cake extra luscious! It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, cut your Black Forest Poke Cake into portions and place in an airtight container. For best results, freeze before adding garnishes. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, but if you prefer room temperature, just let your slice sit out for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it might melt the whipped topping and alter the cake texture.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite scratch-made chocolate cake recipe, you can definitely use it as the base. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to stand up to being poked and soaked with Jell-O.

What if I can’t find cherry Jell-O?

No worries—raspberry Jell-O makes a great substitute and still gives that lovely berry flavor, though cherry is traditional for the authentic Black Forest Poke Cake vibe.

Can I make Black Forest Poke Cake ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, making this cake a day ahead actually improves the flavor and texture as the cherry filling seeps into the chocolate base. Just add garnishes right before serving for maximum freshness.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

You sure can! Whip up 1 to 1 ½ cups of heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form, then gently spread over the cake. Keep in mind, though, that fresh whipped cream might weep a bit if the cake sits for several days.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely—simply use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and make sure all other ingredients (including Jell-O and pie filling) are gluten-free. The result will be just as delicious and decadent!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, gorgeous, and guaranteed to delight anyone who tries it, Black Forest Poke Cake never disappoints. Don’t be surprised if it disappears fast—so go ahead and savor every last bite!

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