A classic German-inspired treat with chocolate and cherries.

This black forest poke cake is a showstopper dessert worthy of special occasions including holidays, dinner parties, birthdays, or any winter gathering where you want something dramatic and delicious. Inspired by the classic German torte, this cake layers deep chocolate with sweet-tart cherry Jello soaking into every pore, then crowns it all with lush cherry pie filling. The result is an intensely moist, complex cake where chocolate and cherry play off each other beautifully, rich, fruity, and completely irresistible. Serve it with a glass of red wine, hot coffee, or a scoop of cherry or chocolate ice cream. Slice it chilled.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1 box (3 oz) cherry Jello
• 1 cup boiling water + 1 cup cold water
• 1 tub Cool Whip
• Maraschino cherries for garnish
• Chocolate shavings for garnish
• Eggs for cake mix
• Oil for cake mix

Directions

1. Bake chocolate cake in a 9×13 pan or large round pan.Make per box directions.
2. Cool 15 min.
3. Poke holes all over with a wooden spoon handle.
4. Dissolve cherry Jello in boiling water, add cold water
5. Pour cherry Jello liquid over cake.
6. Spread cherry pie filling over the top.
7. Refrigerate 2–3 hours.
8. Top with Cool Whip, chocolate shavings, and cherries.

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