Black Forest Cherry Cake Recipe

Black Forest cherry cake is a classic dessert that brings together rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. This German-inspired treat, also known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is a favorite for special occasions or simply when you want to indulge.

With layers of moist chocolate cake, cherry filling, and creamy topping, it’s no wonder this cake has fans all over the world. In this article, I’ll walk you through a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe to make your own Black Forest cherry cake at home.

Why People Love This Black Forest Cherry Cake

This cake is a crowd-pleaser because it balances flavors so well. The deep, rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the tartness of cherries, while the whipped cream adds a light, airy touch. It’s not overly sweet, making it a dessert that feels indulgent yet refreshing.

The texture is another reason people adore it. Moist cake layers, juicy cherries, and smooth cream create a delightful contrast in every bite. Plus, it looks stunning with its dark chocolate shavings and bright red cherries on top.

It’s also versatile and great for celebrations like birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties. Even if you’re not an expert baker, this recipe breaks it down into simple steps that anyone can follow.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Black Forest cherry cake, gather these ingredients. Most are pantry staples, and the rest are easy to find at any grocery store.

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling

• 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons kirsch (cherry liqueur, optional)

For the Whipped Cream

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

• 1 cup dark chocolate shavings or curls
• Fresh cherries (about 10-12 for topping)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this cake. Here’s what you’ll use to bring it all together.

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk and spatula
• Electric mixer (optional, for whipped cream)
• Saucepan (for cherry filling)
• Cooling rack
• Cake stand or serving plate

Having these tools ready will make the process smooth and stress-free. If you don’t have two cake pans, you can bake the layers one at a time.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Now, let’s get into the fun part—making the cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious Black Forest cherry cake in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures the cakes come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly combined for a smooth batter.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until everything is well mixed, but don’t overdo it—just combine until smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate the Boiling Water

Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring the batter. The mixture will be thin, but that’s normal—it keeps the cake moist. Stir until fully blended.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Make the Cherry Filling

In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in the kirsch (if using), and let it cool.

Step 7: Whip the Cream

In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer (or by hand) until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or it’ll turn into butter.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over it, followed by half of the cherry filling. Add the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.

Step 9: Decorate the Cake

Sprinkle the chocolate shavings over the top and sides of the cake. Arrange fresh cherries on top for a beautiful finish. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 12 servings). Keep in mind that this is an estimate and can vary slightly.

This cake is a treat, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Tips for the Best Black Forest Cherry Cake

Here are some handy tips to make your cake even better:

1. Use room-temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
2. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen or canned cherries work well—just drain canned ones thoroughly.
3. For extra flavor, brush the cake layers with a little kirsch or cherry juice before assembling.
4. Chill the mixing bowl and whisk before whipping the cream for faster results.
5. Make the cake a day ahead to let the flavors meld together.

These small tricks can elevate your cake and make the process easier.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to serve it:

• Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for more chocolatey goodness.
• Offer it as a dessert after a hearty meal like roast chicken or pasta.

No matter how you serve it, this cake is sure to impress your guests.

Storing and Freezing the Cake

If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The whipped cream might soften over time, but the flavors will still be delicious.

To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Conclusion

This Black Forest cherry cake recipe is a wonderful way to bring a classic dessert into your home. With its rich chocolate layers, juicy cherry filling, and light whipped cream, it’s a treat that’s both beautiful and delicious. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a slice of something sweet, this cake is a fantastic choice. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s loved by so many!

FAQ

Can I make this cake without alcohol?

Yes, simply skip the kirsch in the cherry filling. The cake will still taste amazing with just the cherries and sugar.

How do I make chocolate shavings?

Use a vegetable peeler to shave curls from a bar of dark chocolate. Work over a plate to catch the shavings easily.

Can I use a different type of fruit?

While cherries are traditional, you can experiment with raspberries or strawberries. Adjust the sugar in the filling as needed.

How long does it take to make this cake?

Prep and baking take about 1 hour, plus cooling and assembly time. Plan for around 2-3 hours total.

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead. Store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature until ready to assemble.

This recipe is all about enjoying the process and savoring the result. Happy baking!

Black Forest Cherry Cake Recipe

Usman Malik

This Black Forest cherry cake recipe is a delightful classic dessert featuring moist chocolate cake layers, a sweet-tart cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients and perfect for special occasions or a cozy treat. The cake is decorated with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries, offering a beautiful presentation and balanced flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine European, German

Servings 12

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk and spatula
• Electric mixer (optional, for whipped cream)
• Saucepan (for cherry filling)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

  

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures the cakes come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly combined for a smooth batter.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

• Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until everything is well mixed, but don’t overdo it—just combine until smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate the Boiling Water

• Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring the batter. The mixture will be thin, but that’s normal—it keeps the cake moist. Stir until fully blended.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

• Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Make the Cherry Filling

• In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in the kirsch (if using), and let it cool.

Step 7: Whip the Cream

• In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer (or by hand) until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or it’ll turn into butter.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over it, followed by half of the cherry filling. Add the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.

Step 9: Decorate the Cake

• Sprinkle the chocolate shavings over the top and sides of the cake. Arrange fresh cherries on top for a beautiful finish. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

When making this Black Forest cherry cake, ensure your cake layers cool completely before assembling to prevent the whipped cream from melting. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling. For best results, chill the cake for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.

Keyword Black Forest Cherry Cake, Black Forest Cherry Cake Recipe