Description
Black Forest Poke Cake is an easy and decadent chocolate dessert filled with rich fudge, layered with cherry pie filling, and topped with a light and fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any sweet craving. Save this recipe and treat your guests to a chocolate-cherry classic!
Ingredients
1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, water)
1 cup chocolate fudge sauce
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
1 (3.4 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix
1 cup cold milk
4 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
Optional: Chocolate shavings or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
-
Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and let it cool completely.
-
Poke the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or the end of a chopstick to poke holes all over the cake. Space the holes about an inch apart.
-
Add the Fudge: Warm the chocolate fudge sauce slightly—either in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat—until it’s pourable. Pour it slowly over the cake, making sure it drips into the holes.
-
Spread Cherry Filling: Evenly spoon the cherry pie filling over the top of the cake.
-
Make the Topping: In a bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix with 1 cup of cold milk until it just starts to thicken (about 1–2 minutes). Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth and combined.
-
Frost the Cake: Spread the pudding and whipped topping mixture over the cherry filling layer.
-
Decorate and Chill: Garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour (2 hours or more is ideal) before serving to let the flavors meld and set.
Notes
For best flavor, make this cake a day ahead to let it fully set in the fridge.
Swap in chocolate pudding for a double chocolate twist.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Not freezer-friendly due to whipped topping texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes + Time (Resting/Chilling): 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American