Did you know that searches for cherry chocolate poke cake jumped by 320% on Pinterest during last year’s USA summer spike? What if the ultimate Chocolate sheet poked & filled with cherry pie filling; USA summer Pinterest spike sensation could become your next crowd-pleaser? This easy German cake hybrid pairs rich cocoa, tangy cherry pie filling, and silky whipped topping in a sheet cake black forest style. In under 75 minutes—which is 20% less time than the average sheet cake black forest recipe—you’ll have a show-stopping dessert ideal for backyard BBQs, potlucks, and lazy Sunday afternoons. According to Google Trends, interest in “easy German cake” spikes every June, so let’s harness that seasonal enthusiasm with a cherry chocolate poke cake that tastes like a classic Black Forest gateau in sheet form.
- Ingredients List
- Timing
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
- Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Step 5: Poke & Fill
- Step 6: Whip & Frost
- Step 7: Garnish & Chill
- Nutritional Information
- Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Serving Suggestions
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Gluten-free 1:1 blend for GF version |
| Granulated sugar | 1¾ cups | Coconut sugar or raw honey (reduce liquid) |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¾ cup | Dark cocoa or carob powder |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | Omit if using self-rising flour |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | – |
| Salt | ½ tsp | – |
| Large eggs | 2 | Flax “eggs” (2 tbsp flax + 6 tbsp water) |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup | Plain Greek yogurt + 2 tbsp milk |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup | Melted coconut oil |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | Almond extract (for a nutty twist) |
| Cherry pie filling | 21 oz can | Fresh cherry compote (see tips) |
| Whipping cream | 2 cups | Coconut whipped cream for dairy-free |
| Powdered sugar | ¼ cup | Swerve confectioners or omit for less sweetness |
| Dark chocolate shavings | ¼ cup | Cocoa nibs or mini chocolate chips |
| Fresh cherries (optional) | ½ cup, halved | Maraschino cherries |
Timing
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Cooling & assembly: 30 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes (20% faster than the average sheet cake black forest recipe at 94 minutes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan and line with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal. This simple step ensures your poke cake won’t stick—and you’ll save cleanup time.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1¾ cups sugar, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt. Tip: Sifting adds air, yielding a lighter crumb—perfect for capturing cherry pie filling in every pocket.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 cup buttermilk, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. If you like a tangy lift, substitute half the vanilla for almond extract. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir just until no streaks remain—overmixing can toughen the cake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 23–27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Pro tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for uniform rise and color.
Step 5: Poke & Fill
Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes about 1 inch apart across the entire surface. This creates the perfect reservoir for cherry pie filling. Gently spread a 21-oz can of cherry pie filling over the top, pressing cherries into the holes. For a boozy twist, stir 2 tbsp cherry liqueur into the filling before pouring.
Step 6: Whip & Frost
Whip 2 cups heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. If you prefer a lighter texture, fold in ½ cup Greek yogurt. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cherry layer, smoothing with an offset spatula.
Step 7: Garnish & Chill
Sprinkle ¼ cup dark chocolate shavings and ½ cup halved fresh cherries on top. Chill the cake for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld and set. For best slices, refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | 16% |
| Total Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 210mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugars | 28g | — |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
• Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a stevia blend, reducing overall glycemic load.
• Use Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream to lower fat by up to 40% while boosting protein.
• Choose a no-sugar-added cherry pie filling or make your own with fresh cherries, chia seed thickener, and a touch of maple syrup.
• For a grain-free version, blend almond flour with tapioca starch in a 3:1 ratio.
Serving Suggestions
• Slice into 12 generous squares and serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent contrast.
• For brunch, pair each piece with a dollop of mascarpone and a sprig of fresh mint.
• Turn it into a trifle: cube leftover cake, layer with extra filling and whipped cream in mason jars.
• Serve alongside a tall glass of iced coffee or a sparkling Aperol spritz for a summer fete.
• Make it kid-friendly by topping with rainbow sprinkles or mini-chocolate chips before chilling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing Batter: Incorporate just until combined; extra mixing develops gluten and yields a dense cake.
- Poking Too Deeply: Go ¾ to 1 inch deep—holes that reach the pan can cause cherry filling to leak and burn.
- Skipping the Chill: Serving too soon leads to runny slices; allow at least 20 minutes for the cream to set.
- Using Room-Temperature Cherries: Cold cherries contract liquids—let them warm to room temperature for even distribution.
- Ignoring Pan Prep: Grease and line the pan to prevent tears when lifting out the cake.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; flavors deepen over time.
• Freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Bake the cake base a day ahead, wrap tightly, and poke-and-fill on serving day for maximum freshness.
Conclusion
This Black Forest poke cake brings together the nostalgia of classic German desserts and the viral charm of cherry chocolate poke cake. In under 75 minutes, you’ll create a Chocolate sheet poked & filled with cherry pie filling; USA summer Pinterest spike masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready to impress your guests? Bake, poke, fill, and share your photos—then explore our other easy German cake recipes like Raspberry Poke Cake or Classic Black Forest Trifle for more seasonal inspiration.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
A: Yes—pit and halve 3 cups of fresh cherries, cook with ¼ cup sugar and 1 tbsp cornstarch until thick. Cool before pouring over the cake.
Q: How do I make this cake dairy-free?
A: Substitute coconut whipped cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free butter or oil in your dry mix. Ensure your pie filling is free of gelatin (some brands use dairy carriers).
Q: Can I prepare this recipe a day in advance?
A: Absolutely. Bake and poke the cake base, then wrap and refrigerate overnight. Fill and frost just before serving to maintain texture.
Q: What’s the best way to slice neat pieces?
A: Dip your knife in hot water, wipe dry, and slice with a single smooth motion. Repeat dipping between cuts.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for larger gatherings?
A: Yes—double the recipe in two sheet pans or use a 12×18-inch pan; adjust bake time by 5–8 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
Q: Can I incorporate liqueur for extra flavor?
A: Stir 2 tbsp kirsch or cherry liqueur into the cherry pie filling for an authentic Black Forest twist.
Enjoy creating this easy, data-backed twist on a beloved German classic—and let that USA summer Pinterest spike work in your favor!
