Few desserts command attention like a Black Forest Cake. With its dramatic layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream, and juicy cherries, it’s the kind of showstopper that feels right at home on a holiday table or as the centerpiece of a celebration. But beyond its rich appearance lies a beautifully balanced dessert that’s surprisingly light and irresistible.
Originating from Germany’s Black Forest region, this cake, known locally as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is all about contrast. The base is a moist chocolate sponge, often soaked with cherry liqueur for depth and flavor. Between the cake layers, whipped cream provides a cool, airy counterpoint, while dark cherries add bursts of sweet and tart notes with every bite.
The beauty of a Black Forest Cake lies in its composition. The chocolate is deep but not overwhelming, the cream is rich yet cloud-like, and the cherries cut through it all with their brightness. Traditionally, it’s topped with more whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries, making it as stunning to look at as it is to eat.
Making it at home may seem intimidating, but it’s entirely doable with a little planning. You can bake the sponge a day ahead to save time and assemble the layers when you’re ready. Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor and don’t skimp on the cherries – fresh, canned, or jarred sour cherries work well. For an authentic touch, add a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy), though it’s delicious without alcohol too.
Black Forest cake pairs perfectly with a cup of strong Irish coffee or espresso, which highlights the deep chocolate and cherry flavors.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging a chocolate craving, Black Forest Cake delivers on all fronts. It’s timeless, elegant, and deeply satisfying without being overly sweet or heavy. And when you slice into it and see those beautiful layers, you’ll understand why it has stayed a favorite for generations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs large,
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup water boiling
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake layer. Top with whipped cream.
- Place the second cake layer on top and press down lightly to secure. Spread the remaining cherry pie filling on top. Frost the sides and top of the cake with whipped cream. Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top for garnish.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Slice and serve chilled.
Nutrition
Yum! But, like, how do you make the cream so fluffy? Mine was just… sad.
To make the cream fluffy, try whipping it really cold! And add some powdered sugar to stabilize it. Don’t give up! You’re almost there! 😊
So good! I added some almond extract to the cream and it was a game changer. Everyone loves it!
This is not how my grandma used to make it. She would add more layers. Not authentic at all!
I get that, but recipes change over time. Maybe this one’s just a modern twist?
Perfect for birthdays! My kids loved it. Can’t wait to make it again.
Really easy to make! I just used a store-bought cherry filling and it still rocked. Will make again!
Too complicated for me. Just buy one from the store, it’s easier.
I’m not sure why everyone loves this cake. It’s just cherry and chocolate… kinda boring if you ask me.
Black Forest… Isn’t that the place in Germany? Anyway, cake was nice.
Really good, but way too much sugar! My teeth hurt just thinkin’ about it.
I messed up the icing, but the cake itself was good. Just a bit of a disaster, but still edible!
Um, I’m not sure if I did it right. The cake kinda collapsed. What went wrong?
I had a hard time with the batter, it was too runny. Did I do something wrong?
Not the best, might try something else next time. Too sweet for my taste.
This cake is AMAZING! So moist and flavorful. I added some extra cherries on top. Definitely a keeper!
How can you call it amazing? I made it, and it came out dry! Maybe I messed up somewhere? 🤷♂️
I totally agree! This cake is so good, I can’t get enough! Extra cherries sound like a delicious idea. 🍒
This cake is absolutely divine! It’s even better than the one from the bakery. My family loved it!
I added raspberries instead of cherries because I’m wild. Turned out okay.
lol wow this cake is pretty much a heart attack! But I love it! 🍰💖
Honestly, it was alright. I’ve had better chocolate cakes. Needs more chocolate.
I totally agree! More chocolate would make it so much better. Maybe try adding chocolate chips next time?
Nah, I think it’s fine as it is. Not everything needs to be super chocolatey. The cherries add a nice touch!
I tried it but the cake was too moist for my taste! I like my cakes less soggy.
Chocolate heaven!! 10/10 would recommend to anyone who loves sweet things.
Sounds good but da cherry filling? Isn’t that a lil’ too much? My friend made a similar cake with raspberries n that was way better.
I totally agree! This cake is a game changer. The sweetness and the cherries are just perfect together. Can’t wait to make it again!
The recipe is okay, but you should try using real cherries instead of pie filling, way better! Just saying.
I was skeptical about the boiling water part, but it really made the cake so moist! Great recipe.
I’m glad you found it helpful! Boiling water seemed odd to me too, but it really does work miracles for moisture. Happy baking!
I don’t know about the boiling water thing. Isn’t that a bit odd for a cake? Seems risky to me. But if it worked for you, that’s cool!
Yum! Adding nuts next time! 😋
Good, but I wish there were more cherries. It’s Black Forest, not chocolate cake!
I followed the recipe exactly but my cake turned out dry. Not sure what went wrong.
So easy to make! My mom taught me how to bake and I nailed this one!
That’s awesome! I love Black Forest Cake too! Congrats on nailing it!
Absolutely delicious! I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. My family loved it!
Black forest cake is so good! I can’t stop eating it. Yum!
It was alright, but I thought the cherries were too sweet. Maybe less sugar next time?
This cake is amazing! I made it for my sister’s birthday and everyone loved it. Rich and chocolatey!
That sounds delicious! I need to try this for my next party. Thanks for sharing!
Def my fave cake! Just wish it didn’t take so long to chill.
To hard 2 make. What is baking soda? I just want a cake mix that is easy!
This is the best cake I ever made! It was a hit at the party!
Wow! Made this for my daughter’s birthday and everyone loved it! Will make it again for sure!
Happy to hear everyone loved it! Black Forest is always a hit at parties! 🎉
Pretty easy to make! I accidentally added cinnamon instead of cocoa… it was weird but not too bad??? LOL.
Yum! Will make again for sure. Note: if you’re not a cherry fan, maybe try strawberries? Just a thought!
Black Forest cake is my weakness. I added some extra chocolate chips to the batter and it was divine!!
Boring! Tasted too sweet for my liking. I don’t get the hype.
I thought the sweetness was perfect! Maybe you just prefer less sugar? Everyone has their taste buds. 🤷♀️
Boring? Nah, this cake is a classic! But I guess it’s not for everyone. My kids love it!
I tried it but the cake turned out dry. I’m not sure what I did wrong. Maybe too much flour?
This cake was a huge hit at my party! Everyone loved it. Just a note that I used fresh cherries instead of pie filling and it was delicious!
Not bad, but I wanted more chocolate flavor. Next time, I’ll double the cocoa!
Doubling the cocoa sounds like a good plan! I love a rich chocolate flavor too. Maybe add some chocolate chips next time?
This is not real Black Forest. It needs alcohol or something. Disappointed.
I totally agree! Black Forest Cake is supposed to be boozy! Where’s the kirsch? This one feels off.
Nah, it’s still a cake! My momma used to make it without alcohol. I think it’s yummy! Don’t be so picky.
Umm… “boiling water” in cake batter always scares me. I followed it anyway and it was fine, but I wish it explained why it gets thin. My cake tastes great, just a little confusing.
I love Black Forest cake! But why do we need boiling water? Isn’t that weird?
Just ok. I was expecting something spectacular but meh.
Okay, confession: my batter was so thin I panicked 😂 but it turned out moist and not gummy at all. Just make sure you measure flour right and don’t overbake.
Yum! Rich and chocolaty! Whipped cream on top was the best part! Will make again for sure! 😍
This cake was an absolute hit at my family gathering! I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out beautiful. Definitely 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So glad to hear that! I love the cherry pie filling in this cake. Can’t wait to try it myself! 😊
This cake was a hit at my party! Everyone loved it.
Pretty good overall. My layers domed a lot even after leveling, but the flavor was solid. I think I baked closer to 35 mins because my toothpick kept coming out slightly fudgy.
Not sure about the 2 tsp baking soda with that much cocoa/flour. Mine rose fast then sank slightly in the middle. Flavor is decent, but the structure felt a bit off.
Am I the only one who thinks 2 cups cream is not enough? I ended up with more cake than frosting and had to whip extra cream. Recipe’s tasty, just askin for trouble on quantity.
This is NOT a Black Forest cake!!! You forgot the chocolate!
This is my kind of cake—chocolate + cherries + that fluffy whipped cream. The boiling water making the batter thin was a little scary, but it baked up perfectly. 10/10 for a crowd-pleaser.
Did ya really need to boil the water? Seems silly.
This cake is legit. The whipped cream on top is like a cherry on top of heaven! 😍
I totally agree! That whipped cream takes it to the next level! 🍰
It tasted good, but the cake was a bit dry. Maybe I baked it too long? I’ll give it another try. 3 stars.
Perfect! Best I’ve ever made! Will make again!
So glad to hear you loved it! Black Forest Cake is my favorite too. 🍰
Made this for a party and it disappeared in minutes! Everyone kept asking for the recipe!
I don’t get why people love this cake so much. It’s just a chocolate cake with cherries, right?
Tried this for a birthday and it was a hit—rich chocolate flavor and the cherry filling really pops. Mine baked in 32 minutes too, so pretty reliable!
It was good, but a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time?
I think less sugar would help! The cherries are sweet enough on their own.
Pretty solid recipe! My batter was indeed thin, just like it says. I was worried about baking time, but 32 minutes did the trick. Whipped cream texture was great—light, not too sweet.
Same here! Thin batter was actually the key—mine looked kinda weird going in, but it turned out fluffy. 32 min was perfect for me too.
Hmm I followed it and my whipped cream kinda melted fast. Maybe I over-whipped? Also 1 cup water boiling seems like a lot… did you measure that exactly?
Very complicated recipe! I messed up but it still tasted OK.
This recipe is too complicated for me. Prefer simple cakes. I’m not baking again. 2 stars.
I don’t have cherry pie filling, can I use fresh cherries instead?
I followed the recipe but my whipped cream didn’t really “frost” nicely—maybe my cream wasn’t cold enough. Still delicious though, just messier than expected.
Made this for my sister’s birthday and it turned out gorgeous. The cake is super chocolaty and the cherry pie filling gives it that classic Black Forest vibe. I did chill it longer (overnight) and the flavors were even better.
It turned out too dry for me. I think my oven temp was off.
Pretty good, but my batter overflowed a bit—mine was definitely thin like you said, so I think next time I’ll double-check pan size and maybe not overfill. Still delicious though.
Don’t know why it got so much hype. Tastes average.
Honestly, I thought it would be better. The cake was dry 🙁
Why not just use boxed cake mix? This is too much work! 🤷♂️
Cake was great but my uncle ate half before I could even serve it! LOL
Haha, classic uncle move! The cake must’ve been too good to resist. I’m gonna try it out soon!
Sorry but baking soda + baking powder seems like too much for only 2 eggs. Mine rose weird and then collapsed in the middle. Tastes okay, texture wasn’t right.
This cake is absolutely amazing! I made it for my mom’s birthday and everyone loved it! Thanks!
I’m so glad to hear you made it for your mom! It’s a classic cake for a reason! 🎉
Looks complicated, I would screw it up for sure. But great job!
Made this for a birthday and it was a hit! The cake is super chocolatey, and the cherry + whipped cream combo tastes like a proper Black Forest. I chilled it overnight and it was even better.
The “chocolate shavings” step got me. I had no shaved chocolate so I just sprinkled cocoa and it wasn’t the same. Still good though.
I don’t get why people sweat the “shavings” part. Cocoa is basically chocolate dust anyway. If it tastes like Black Forest, call it a win lol. Chilled cake always hits.
Aw man—yeah, shaved chocolate definitely makes it pop. Cocoa works in a pinch though, and I’m glad it still tasted good! Next time you could try a bar and a spoon/paring tool to get quick shavings.
I aint got cherry pie filling, can I use fresh cherriez instead?
Yeah, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to pit them and maybe add a lil sugar if they’re tart. Should work out fine! 🍒
The chocolate flavor is nice, but mine came out a little dry on the edges. Next time I’ll check a couple minutes earlier and maybe use strips/vents to prevent over-browning. Still tastes good though!
Idk, 2 tsp baking powder + 1 1/2 tsp baking soda seems like a lot for me. Mine rose really high then sank a little. Tasted fine but the look wasn’t as pretty.
This cake was a massive hit at my party! Everyone loved it! 😍
Delish! But I used whipped topping instead of heavy cream. Still tasted awesome!! 😊
Whipped topping?? That’s not the same as heavy cream! Are you sure it was still good? 🤔
Using whipped topping sounds like a great idea! I might try that next time. Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Made it for my birthday and it looked exactly like the pictures. I didn’t have chocolate shavings so I used cocoa dust and it still tasted great. Would definitely make again.
Happy birthday! 🎂 And cocoa dust is actually a smart swap—glad it still tasted great. I bet the flavor was rich even without the chocolate shavings.
Ugh, the cake fell apart when I took it out of the pan. Not impressed.
Not sure about the ratios… 1 can of cherry pie filling feels like it could be too much or too little depending on the brand. Mine was a bit overwhelming, but the cake itself was moist.
Totally agree—1 can can vary a lot by brand. I’d start by spreading a thin, even layer and save the rest to taste. Mine ended up perfect once I adjusted.
I made this for my grandma’s bday, she says it tasted like the one she had as a kid! So good!
Followed it exactly and somehow my cake fell in the middle. I’m not sure if it was my oven or the baking powder/soda balance, but I was disappointed.
Totally failed! The batter was so thin, I thought I made a mistake. Ended up with a chocolate mess. 1 star!
Super easy recipe and super delicious! Will make again for sure.
I tried it too! It’s really easy! My kids loved it, even my picky eater! Yum!
I don’t know, it seems too complicated for a cake. Also, isn’t Black Forest Cake supposed to have alcohol?
I didn’t have cherry pie filling, used fresh cherries instead. Still very yummy, though! 🍒
I think the recipe is a bit confusing. Is it really supposed to be that runny after adding the water?
Yeah, it’s meant to be runny! That’s what makes it moist. Just follow the steps and you’ll be fine.
Wow! This tastes like the real Black Forest stuff from bakeries. My kids ate it fast—no complaints, only crumbs.
Yum 😋
Black Forest, or whatever, it ain’t German food! It doesn’t even have traditional ingredients! 😠
Actually, it is a German dessert! Black Forest cake originated from the Black Forest region in Germany. Get your facts right! 😅
I didn’t level the tops and it was kinda lopsided, so that step matters. Also, my whipped cream separated a bit—could be I overmixed. But the cherry + cocoa combo is addictive.
I’m not a fan of pie filling in cakes, but the cherry flavor was actually nice. It’s sweet, so I’d maybe cut the sugar in the cream next time.
I think Black Forest cake is usually more like dark chocolate and less… cake-mix vibes? This was fine, but I wanted deeper chocolate flavor. Could add extra cocoa next time.
This is my kind of cake—easy ingredients, no weird stuff. I used homemade cherry compote instead of pie filling and it still worked. Would absolutely make again.
Love seeing “no weird stuff” in a cake recipe 😄 Homemade compote instead of pie filling sounds spot on. I’m adding this to my list—thanks!
Maybe a dumb question—did you reduce the cherry compote at all, or just swap it 1:1 for the pie filling? I worry it’ll make the layers too wet.
I followed it exactly and the texture was a little too dense for me. Flavor’s great, but it didn’t feel as “fluffy” as I expected. Any idea if oven temp can swing?
So good! But next time, I’ll add more cherries! 🍒
So easy to make! I’m not much of a baker, but this was simple and delicious! Yay!
The boiling water part is a game changer. I was skeptical at first, but it made the crumb really moist. My chocolate shavings also turned out way better than usual—thank you!
Yes!! The boiling water step is seriously underrated. I’ve made this kind of batter before, and it always comes out dryer—until I tried your method. Mine was way more tender too. 🙌
Wait so the batter is supposed to be thin? I always thought I messed it up lol. Next time I’m definitely doing the boiling water part. Also cherry pie filling makes it so much easier.
No way this is a Black Forest cake without Kirsch. Just saying.
Just Wow. (jk my family ate it before I could take pics 😂)
I liked it but I had to chill longer than an hour (like 3 hrs) or it tasted a bit flat to me. Next time I’ll do the longer wait upfront.
Totally agree—mine was kinda “flat” too when I rushed the chill. 3 hours sounds spot on. Next time I’ll plan for longer upfront.