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Black Forest Poke Cake Recipe

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3.8 from 60 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

This Black Forest Poke Cake is a luscious dessert combining rich chocolate cake soaked with hot fudge and coffee, topped with sweet cherry pie filling, and finished with a light, fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream frosting garnished with dark chocolate shavings. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, it offers a delicious twist on the classic Black Forest flavors in an easy-to-make sheet cake format.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups (285g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (118 ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (118 ml) sour cream, at room temperature
  • 2 cups (280g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ½ cup (40 g) cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon (5g) espresso powder (optional)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons (9 g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • 1 ¼ cup (296 ml) hot brewed coffee

Fudge and Cherry Topping

  • 1 jar (16oz) Hot fudge sauce, warmed
  • 1 can (21oz) Lucky Leaf Cherry Pie Filling

Cream Cheese Whipped Topping

  • 4 ounces (113g) full-fat cream cheese, cold
  • 1 ½ cups (413 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup (130g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces dark chocolate bar for shaving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is lighter in color and well combined. Then add the sour cream and continue beating until fully incorporated.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Incorporate Ingredients: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by half of the hot brewed coffee. Mix at low speed just until the flour is incorporated. Then add the remaining dry ingredients and coffee, beating until well combined. Use a spatula to scrape the sides and fold the batter to ensure even mixing.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 26-28 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  6. Poke the Cake: While the cake is still warm but cool enough to handle, use the end of a wooden spoon or a similar round object to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
  7. Add Hot Fudge: Warm the jar of hot fudge sauce in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until smooth and pourable. Pour the hot fudge evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Cool the cake completely to set.
  8. Apply Cherry Pie Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cooled cake to create the fruity layer.
  9. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Cut the cold cream cheese into 1-inch cubes. Using a stand mixer, beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and lump-free. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed.
  10. Add Heavy Cream Gradually: Slowly add ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream to the cream cheese and beat until liquid-like and incorporated well.
  11. Whip Remaining Cream: Add the remaining heavy whipping cream and increase mixer speed to high. Beat until soft peaks form.
  12. Sweeten and Final Whip: Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until stiff peaks form, creating a stable whipped topping.
  13. Top the Cake: Spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly over the cherry-covered cake.
  14. Garnish: Roughly chop the dark chocolate bar and sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top as garnish.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs and sour cream are at room temperature to create a smoother batter.
  • If you don’t have espresso powder, it can be omitted but it enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • Cooling the cake before spreading toppings prevents melting and ensures neat layering.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for best texture and stability in the topping.
  • Chocolate shavings can be made with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife for better presentation.
  • Store leftover cake in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting and cherry topping.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://mysimpledish.com/black-forest-poke-cake-recipe/