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Black Forest Poke Cake – The Best Easy Chocolate Cherry Dessert (2025)

Black Forest Poke Cake

Black Forest Poke Cake delivers moist chocolate layers soaked with sweetened condensed milk and bright cherry pie filling for a balanced, make-ahead dessert. Ideal for potlucks or family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix Plus ingredients per box instructions
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup cherry pie filling
  • ¼ cup water Or cherry juice
  • 1 tub whipped topping (Cool Whip) Thawed
  • 1 cup fresh cherries Optional, for garnish
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate curls or shavings For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare and bake the chocolate cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to box instructions. Let cool for 5–10 minutes.
  2. Using the end of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cake. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the top, letting it soak into the holes. Chill for 30–60 minutes.
Toppings
  1. Spread whipped topping over the chilled cake. Spoon cherry pie filling evenly across the top.
  2. Garnish with fresh cherries and sprinkle chocolate curls or shavings on top.
Chill & Serve
  1. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Store covered in the refrigerator for best texture. It keeps well for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze portions wrapped in plastic and foil; freeze up to 2 months.