Are you craving a decadent dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this Black Forest Poke Cake! This delightful twist on a classic combines the moistness of a chocolate cake with the tartness of cherries and the richness of whipped cream, all in one irresistible package. It’s the perfect recipe for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, making it a great addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Making the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box, but substitute the water with the cooled coffee. This adds incredible depth of flavor!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes, but always check your cake mix box for specific instructions.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here for a clean poke!
Poking the Cake and Adding Filling:
- Once the cake is completely cool, use a wooden spoon or dowel to poke holes evenly across the top of the cake. Don't poke all the way to the bottom; aim for about halfway down.
- Pour the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
Making and Adding the Whipped Cream:
- In a large chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Don't over-beat!
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cherry-filled cake.
Finishing Touches & Serving:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings (optional) before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder in addition to the cake mix.
- Feel free to substitute the cherry pie filling with another fruit filling, such as raspberry or blueberry, to create your own unique flavor combination.
- If you don't have coffee, you can substitute with milk or water, but the coffee adds a delicious depth.
- For an extra special touch, add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the whipped cream.
- Make this ahead of time! The cake actually tastes better the next day, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving is around 350-400 calories, with varying amounts of fat, sugar, and protein. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This Black Forest Poke Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and easy dessert. Enjoy this quick dinner idea that is also a healthy meal alternative (in moderation, of course!). It's a simple yet impressive recipe that showcases the best of homemade cooking. Try it and let us know what you think!