Simple Black Forest Cake is a classic dessert that combines rich chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Originating from Germany, this iconic cake is as visually striking as it is delicious. With its layers of moist chocolate sponge, sweetened whipped cream, and tart, juicy cherries, Black Forest Cake is a true indulgence that’s perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert.
The cake begins with a rich, dark chocolate sponge, which provides a slightly dense yet soft base. The chocolate flavor is deep and comforting, creating a perfect foundation for the other layers. After baking, the cake is sliced into several thin layers, which are then soaked with a bit of cherry syrup or cherry liqueur, known as Kirsch. This step adds moisture and an extra layer of flavor, making the cake incredibly rich and indulgent.
The filling consists of sweetened whipped cream, which is spread generously between the layers of chocolate cake. The cream is light and fluffy, providing a delicate contrast to the denser cake. It’s often flavored with a touch of vanilla or a little bit of powdered sugar to enhance its sweetness. The whipped cream also helps balance the richness of the chocolate and the tartness of the cherries.
The crowning glory of Simple Black Forest Cake is the decoration. The top is covered with more whipped cream, and then it’s generously garnished with maraschino cherries or fresh cherries. Shavings of chocolate or even dark chocolate curls are often added to give the cake a beautiful, elegant finish. For a touch of extra flair, some variations may include chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Simple Black Forest Cake is a perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness, and tartness, with layers of flavor and texture that melt in your mouth. It’s a dessert that feels special and indulgent, making it a popular choice for birthdays, holidays, and any gathering that deserves something a little extra. If you’ve never tried it, this luscious, layered cake is an absolute must.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream for garnish
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cherry pie filling over the cake layer.
- Top with the second cake layer and spread the whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with the remaining cherry pie filling and chocolate shavings. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Why do you need cherry filling? Just use chocolate sprinkles like a normal cake! #chocolateisbest
Cherry filling? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Just sprinkle on some choco and yeet it into the oven.
Chocolate sprinkles are great, but the cherry filling is what makes it a Black Forest cake! You can’t skip that part.
I doubt this will turn out as good as it looks. I mean, how can a cake be that fluffy? Trying it anyway tho.
I was skeptical too, but this recipe is actually super easy! The key is to really beat the butter and sugar well. Trust me, you’ll be surprised!
This cake was a hit at my birthday! So decadent and delicious, I’ll definitely make it again.
I don’t think I got the cake right. Mine turned out too dry. Maybe I overbaked it? 🤔
Tried this recipe and it was too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time?
Not sure about the baking time. Mine took closer to 38 minutes before a toothpick came out clean. Also I couldn’t get the layers totally even, so the frosting looked a little messy. Still tasty!
I’m not sure about the baking soda amount with the baking powder—like why both? I left it out of one batch and it was flatter… so yeah, put them back lol.
Idk, black forest is usually with real cherries not pie filling. The flavor is okay but not the same vibe. Also 8-inch pans—mine were 9-inch so it came out flatter and I got sad lol.
I made this for my dad’s birthday, and he said it’s the best cake he’s ever had! Yummy! 🎂
Pretty good, but my batter seemed thick after adding the dry ingredients—maybe I measured the cocoa wrong? Flavor is chocolatey though, and the whipped cream helps a ton. Next time I’ll double-check measurements.
I tried it but the cake was kinda dry on the edges. I think I over-baked, but the recipe says 25–30 and I followed it exactly at first. Maybe my pans are smaller/thinner?
Turned out super chocolatey and moist. The cherry pie filling on top is a great shortcut—tastes way fancier than the steps suggest.
Yes!! I did the cherry pie filling exactly like you said and it *really* makes it taste bakery-level. Mine was also super moist—great bake.
Yum! Just like the one my grandma used to make. So nostalgic!
Black Forest cake is too sweet for me. Prefer something less sugary.
Isn’t Black Forest supposed to have alcohol in it? This one feels kinda plain without it.
Simple and great! I added some walnuts for crunch, yummy! 🤤
Walnuts sound like a nice twist! I never thought of adding nuts to chocolate cake. Gonna try this next time! 🍰👍
I dunno, it’s just a chocolate cake with cherries, ain’t it? Not sure what the big fuss is about… 😒
I followed all the steps but my cake turned out flat. What did I do wrong?
Simple to make but I messed up the layers. My fault, not the recipe’s!
Don’t worry! Layering can be tricky. Your cake probably still tasted great!
What’s the cherry filling for? Seems too much. Just chocolate is good!
The instructions say bake 25-30 minutes, but mine needed like 38. Toothpick came out mostly clean after that—just keep an eye on it.
I accidentally used salted butter and the cake tasted kinda off. Next time I’ll stick with unsalted. Still good overall, just needed tweaking.
Cake is cake, but I think the layers are wrong in the video lol.
I think the layers look fine! What do you mean by wrong? They’re supposed to be fluffy and delicious!
Lol, I dunno, maybe it’s just me but layers r layers, can’t really mess them up too much? Idk, just make the cake 😄
Ok but… does it really taste like Black Forest? Mine felt more like chocolate cake with cherries. Not bad, just not the vibe I expected.
Yummy! But I think the baking time needs to be longer for my oven.
I think you might be right! Oven temps can vary a lot. I usually check a few minutes earlier just in case.
Why do people think this cake is so special? It’s just chocolate and cherries!
This cake is amazing! My family loved it, will definitely make again!
I found it a bit dry. Maybe I should’ve added more milk?
This cake was a huge hit at my party! Everyone loved it! 😍
Cake was good but not sweet enough for my taste. Gotta add more sugar next time! 😅
Best cake ever! Can’t wait to make it again for my birthday! 🎉
I had some trouble with the baking time, my layers were a bit dry. Maybe it’s my oven? Good flavor though.
I used coconut milk instead of whole milk. It still turned out great!
Great idea! I love coconut milk in cakes. Adds a nice flavor!
I can’t believe how easy this was to make! I’m not a baker but I nailed it!
That’s awesome! Black Forest Cake is so delicious, I’m glad you tried it. Do you have any tips for us beginners?
This cake was amazing! So chocolaty and the cherries were just perfect. My family loved it!
It’s OK, I guess. My kid liked it but I prefer something more fruity. Too much chocolate!
Delicious cake! It’s easy to follow the recipe. My family loved it!
Yummy! I added extra chocolate chips and it made it even better! Rich and delish!
My kiddos loved helping with the cream! Fun family recipe.
Looks great, but aren’t Black Forest Cakes supposed to have real cherries? Just sayin’.
That’s awesome! Baking is such a fun way to bond with kids. They must’ve loved it!
Made it for a family dinner and everyone went back for seconds. I was worried about the oven temp, but 350°F worked great and the cakes came out moist.
meh, too sweet for me. Also 1 cup cream is kinda a lot? I’ll use less next time and maybe add more cocoa.
1 cup cream for garnish doesn’t sound too crazy to me? It’s just the topping though. But yeah, if you prefer less sweetness, maybe use light cream or half it.
Totally get you—mine came out sweet too. I’m thinking next time I’ll reduce the sugar a bit and go heavier on the cocoa like you said.
Wow, this cake is SO DELICIOUS! The chocolate and cherries is a perfect combo!
I don’t like cherries. Can I use strawberries instead?
This was horrible. The cream didn’t whip right and the taste was off. Never again!
Very easy and the ingredient list is normal pantry stuff. Whipping cream with soft peaks was key—mine got a little too stiff at first.
This is dangerously good. I made it for a small gathering and it disappeared. The refrigerated texture the next day was even better.
I followed it pretty closely, but my batter seemed thick like brownie mix. Still cooked through, though the crumb was a bit dense. Maybe I overmixed?
That thick, brownie-like batter usually points to overmixing or too much flour/cocoa. Next time, only mix until the dry streaks are gone (stir, don’t beat). Also make sure you measure flour by spooning into the cup—packed flour can do that.
Not gonna lie, my cream slid off the sides. I didn’t refrigerate long enough and the cake layers were warm. Still ate it though 😅
This was shockingly easy and actually tastes like a Black Forest should. The cherry pie filling + chocolate shavings combo is perfect. I used 1% milk once and it was still good, but whole milk really gives it that richer crumb.
Yes!! “Black Forest” nailed. I used a little extra cherry filling because I’m not playing around—still turned out great and the chocolate shavings really pop.
I followed it exactly and it *did* taste like a Black Forest. My crumb was super tender with whole milk too—agree on that 100%.