Black Forest Poke Cake

Rich layers of chocolate cake, fudge sauce, and cherry pie filling make this gorgeous black forest poke cake stand pretty and proud – and it all begins with a cake mix.

Why this recipe works

Imagine the surprise when your guests find out this black forest poke cake is made with a cake mix. Its show-stopping looks and decadence convinces otherwise. One bite unravels a taste of each ingredient – chocolate cake, fudge sauce, cherry pie filling, and sweet whipped cream. This may just be the Mother of all poke cakes!

Poke cakes use simple ingredients, and this black forest version is no exception. Simply bake the cake, poke some holes, layer on the filling, then top with frosting and garnishes. Convenient ingredients like cake mix plus pie filling or pudding make up the base of just about every poke cake recipe you’ll find. These particular cakes are well-loved for their quick and easy prep and everyday ingredients.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CAKE – We used a Betty Crocker Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake box mix to make the cake layer for this recipe. You can use your favorite chocolate cake box mix just remember you will also need the ingredients to make the cake which are usually eggs, water or milk, and oil – refer to the back of your cake mix box for this.

FILLING – Cherry Pie Filling is synonymous with the black forest flavor, I wouldn’t recommend swapping it with another canned fruit filling. However, you can certainly use your own homemade cherry pie filling if preferred.

SAUCE – Any chocolate fudge sauce, such as hot fudge, will work here. Heat it briefly in the microwave before pouring it over the cake so you can spread it easily and it will then seep into the holes in the cake making it all the more delicious.

TOPPING – We made easy homemade whipped cream using heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar, but to save even more time you can swap it with Cool Whip. The airiness of whipped cream pairs really well with the richness of the chocolate cherry poke cake. We found 2-3 squares of bitter-sweet chocolate was an ample amount of shavings to top with. You can use either fresh cherries, maraschino cherries, or extra cherry pie filling on top as garnish.

How to Make Black Forest Poke Cake

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cake release or spray oil to grease.
Begin by preparing the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box. Pour the chocolate cake mixture into the prepared pan and bake according to the instructions on the box (we baked for 24 minutes and checked for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake).
Remove the cake from the oven and leave to cool for 20 minutes.

TIP – Once the cake has been baked leave it to cool for at least 20 minutes before you poke holes in it. If it’s too soft the cake will get stuck to the wooden spoon and you risk pulling the cake apart.
Meanwhile, heat the chocolate fudge sauce in the microwave for a minute, stirring in 30 second intervals. The fudge sauce should be loose and pourable.
When the cake has cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
Pour over the chocolate fudge sauce and do your best to spread it over the holes so it sinks into them.
Pour over the Cherry Pie Filling and spread it over the surface of the cake.
Add the heavy cream and powdered sugar to a mixing bowl and whisk until it holds its shape.
Transfer about a third of the cream to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle.
Spread the remaining cream on top of the Cherry Pie Filling taking care not to disturb the layers beneath.
Use a cheese grater or vegetable peeler to grate chocolate shavings over the surface of the cake.
Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into 12 equal slices.
Using the whipped cream you reserved earlier, pipe swirls on top of each slice of cake.
Decorate each slice with a fresh cherry.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do you store black forest poke cake?

Store black forest poke cake in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely. You can prepare and bake the cake a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. The cherry pie filling soaks into the surrounding cake the longer it sits, giving the cake even more moisture and flavor. If you prefer the cake not to be as moist, you can prepare the cake, poke the holes, and store it with a lid or wrapped with plastic wrap a day or two ahead of time. Then, when ready to serve, pour on the filling and add the whipped cream and garnishes.

Piece of Black Forest Poke Cake on a plate with a bite removed on a fork

Serving Suggestions

Top black forest poke cake with a garnish of shaved chocolate, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. We like to use fresh cherries on top of each slice of cake, but a small spoonful of extra cherry pie filling or even maraschino cherries are other great options.

More Poke Cake Recipes

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Kristen Rittmer

Editorial Manager at Amanda's Creative Life, Inc.

Kristen is the editorial manager for both Amanda's Cookin' and Crafts by Amanda and the daughter of the founder, Amanda Formaro. She is getting wildly creative with food and enjoys being in the kitchen and learning new things!