If you love Black Forest cake but don’t feel like fussing with layers, this Black Forest Poke Cake is about to be your new best friend. It’s got all the classic flavors — rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and creamy whipped topping — but in a ridiculously easy format that anyone can make!
What to Gather
This is a super simple list of ingredients that come together quickly for an unbelievably decadent black forest poke cake! A full list of ingredients with measurements is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix – This is the perfect shortcut for a deep, chocolatey base without having to make the cake from scratch. You can also use a regular chocolate cake mix.
- Eggs – These help to create structure and keep the cake nice and fluffy.
- Vegetable Oil – Oil adds moisture so that your cake is the perfect texture.
- Buttermilk – Using buttermilk gives the cake extra tenderness and a subtle tangy flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – A little vanilla brings out the chocolate and rounds out the flavors.
- Fudge Topping – This melts into those poke holes, making the cake ultra-chocolatey.
- Whipped Topping – This light and fluffy topping is the perfect contrast to all of the rich chocolate.
- Cherry Pie Filling – Sweet, tart cherries contrast beautifully with all of that chocolatey goodness.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – These add just the right amount of extra texture on top and a hint of refreshing mint flavor.
This is How We Do It
This Black Forest poke cake recipe is ridiculously easy to make but tastes like you spent hours on it.
- Mix the batter. Use a mixer or whisk to blend the cake mix, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until it’s well combined.
- Bake. Transfer the batter to a prepared dish and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Poke the cake. While it’s still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or skewer to make holes all over the cake.
- Add the fudge. Warm the jar of hot fudge sauce until it’s easy to pour on top of the cake. Then, spread it over the cake, letting it sink into the holes.
- Chill. Let the cake cool completely in the fridge so the flavors can come together.
- Top it off. Spread the whipped topping or Cool Whip, spoon on the cherry filling, and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings.
- Serve and enjoy. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to dig in!
5S Philosophy 👩🏻🍳
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- Salt – While this cake doesn’t have added salt, it’s likely that your boxed cake mix will — it’s a crucial ingredient when baking. If you want a little salty/sweet contrast, you can also sprinkle a little salt on top.
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- Sauces – That fudge sauce isn’t just for looks! It seeps into every hole, ensuring every bite of the cake is extra chocolatey.
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- Swaps – If you’re not a fan of cherries, you can swap in raspberry pie filling or even caramel sauce for a different twist. You could swap the fudge sauce for chocolate pudding.
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- Senses – That moment when you slice into this cake and see all the fudgy goodness oozing into the layers is absolute magic. And the combination of rich chocolate and bright cherries is a total showstopper in terms of flavor.
Storage and Freezing
The one thing that’s key about storing this Black Forest poke cake is not to leave it at room temperature. Using whipped topping means that it needs to be in the fridge or freezer when it’s not being served.
How to Store
Store the cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also seal individual slices in airtight containers.
Can I Freeze Black Forest Poke Cake?
Freeze (without the whipped topping) for up to 2 months. Then, thaw it overnight and add the toppings before serving.
Recipe FAQs
No, Black Forest cake and German chocolate cake are completely different desserts! German chocolate cake isn’t actually German at all — it’s an American creation named after Samuel German, who developed a specific type of dark baking chocolate. It typically has a coconut-pecan frosting and no cherries. Black Forest cake, meanwhile, is genuinely German with its signature combination of chocolate cake, cherries, whipped cream, and kirsch.
Yes, Black Forest cake is authentic German cuisine! It’s one of Germany’s most famous sweet dishes and is deeply connected to the traditions and ingredients of the Black Forest region.
If you’re making a traditional black forest cake and you need to skip the kirsch, you can use cherry juice, cherry syrup, or a non-alcoholic cherry extract for a family-friendly version.
More Poke Cakes
There couldn’t be an easier way to make sure that you wind up with the most moist and delicious dessert than by making a poke cake! If you agree, you’ll want to check out these other easy recipes.
Black Forest Poke Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 8.25 ounces Devils food cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12.8 ounces fudge topping
Topping:
- 8 ounces whipped topping
- 2 21- ounce cans cherry pie filling*
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or vegetable shortening. Set aside.
- In a large bowl using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer using a paddle attachment, blend together the 8.25 ounces Devils food cake mix, 4 eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup buttermilk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pur the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap to settle the pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test.
- Remove and using a wooden skewer, end of a wooden spoon or another device to poke holes, poke generously.
- Heat the 12.8 ounces fudge topping in the microwave for 45 seconds or until pourable.
- Pour onto the warm cake and spread evenly. Tap to fill in the holes.
- Place the cake into the fridge until cooled.
- When cooled, spread the 8 ounces whipped topping over cake.
- Spoon the 2 21- ounce cans cherry pie filling* over the whipped topping. Sprinkle with the 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips.
- Cover and chill until ready to cut and serve.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
