Easy & Irresistible Black Forest Cake Recipe: Your Simple Chocolate Cherry Dessert
This delightfully simple and undeniably sweet Black Forest Cake transforms rich chocolate cake mix into a moist, indulgent dessert. Layered with luscious cherry pie filling and enhanced with a hint of almond extract, it’s all crowned with a generous topping of creamy Cool Whip. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a triumph of flavor and presentation, perfect for impressing guests at any holiday gathering, yet straightforward enough for a casual weeknight treat.
Effortless Black Forest Cake with a Box Mix
There’s something truly magical about a homemade cake, and this easy black forest cake recipe delivers all the decadence without the fuss. Imagine a perfectly moist, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake, bursting with bold, sweet cherry flavors, all coming together in a dessert that looks like it took hours but is incredibly simple to prepare. Our secret? A high-quality Devil’s Food cake mix forms the foundation, ensuring a consistently soft and fluffy chocolate base that pairs exquisitely with layers of sweet, juicy cherries.
Opting for a cake mix makes this black forest recipe a fantastic choice for busy bakers or those new to baking. It’s a creative way to achieve classic flavors, making it an ideal dessert for family celebrations and festive occasions. As this cake bakes, the enticing aroma of chocolate and cherries will fill your kitchen, building anticipation for the delicious treat to come. It’s a sensory experience from start to finish!
For anyone who adores the combination of rich chocolate and vibrant fruit, this easy black forest cake is an absolute dream. The natural tartness and sweetness of the cherries perfectly complement the deep chocolate, and when you add the light, creamy texture of Cool Whip, you get a harmonious blend that’s truly irresistible. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for a second slice.
My journey with this particular Black Forest Cake began back in 2016 when I decided to bake it for our Christmas dinner at my in-laws. Cherry desserts hold a special place in my heart, especially around Christmastime and Valentine’s Day. So, sharing this recipe in January, perfectly nestled between these two cherry-loving holidays, felt just right! The dessert was an immediate sensation, drawing rave reviews from everyone who tried it.
The only minor hitch back then was the initial set of photos, which simply didn’t do this stunning cake justice. Transporting the cake to my in-laws, over an hour away, meant cutting it late at night under less-than-ideal lighting conditions. I finally dedicated time to re-shoot it, and now I’m thrilled to share visuals that truly capture what a beautiful, showstopping dessert this Black Forest Cake really is!
What Defines a Black Forest Cake? The German Classic
The traditional Black Forest Cake, known in Germany as “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte,” is a masterpiece of patisserie. It classically features several layers of rich chocolate sponge cake, generously soaked in Kirschwasser (a clear brandy distilled from tart cherries). These decadent layers are then interspersed with sweet, luscious cherries and fresh whipped cream. To elevate its flavors and presentation, it’s often adorned with chocolate shavings, additional fresh cherries, and sometimes even a chocolate frosting. This easy version captures the essence of those classic flavors with a simplified approach, making it accessible to home bakers without sacrificing taste.
Why This Simplified Black Forest Cake Recipe Shines
- Effortless Preparation: The primary reason this black forest cake stands out is its incredible ease. By utilizing a readily available cake mix, we bypass many of the complex steps involved in traditional baking. Just a few additional ingredients transform a simple mix into a gourmet-tasting dessert, making it perfect for novice bakers or anyone short on time.
- Unforgettable Deliciousness: Prepare your taste buds for an experience! The chocolate cake boasts an exquisite moistness that truly melts in your mouth, offering a rich and satisfying cocoa flavor. When this tender chocolate cake is paired with the bright, juicy sweetness of cherry pie filling, it creates a flavor dynamic that is utterly delectable. This combination delivers the best black forest cake experience you’ve ever had, even with its simplified process.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This versatile cake isn’t just for holidays. Its elegant appearance and universally loved flavors make it suitable for a wide array of events and celebrations. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, an anniversary dinner, a casual get-together, or simply want to treat your family, this cake fits the bill perfectly.
- A Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Nothing quite says “holiday cheer” like a beautiful dessert. Surprise your loved ones and guests with this scrumptious black forest cake. Its classic appeal, combined with the festive colors of chocolate and cherries, makes it an ideal addition to any holiday table, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients for Your Black Forest Delight
Crafting this magnificent cake requires a few key components, many of which you likely already have on hand, or can easily find at your local grocery store. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the signature flavors and textures of our easy Black Forest Cake:
Chocolate Cake Mix: My preferred choice is Devil’s Food cake mix. Its deep, rich chocolate flavor provides the perfect base for this indulgent dessert. Using a high-quality cake mix is a wonderful shortcut that significantly reduces prep time without compromising on taste or moistness, ensuring a consistently delicious result every time.
Water: This simple ingredient is crucial for hydrating the cake mix, helping to create a smooth batter and a perfectly baked cake crumb.
Eggs: Incorporating three whole eggs into the batter contributes significantly to the cake’s structure, fluffiness, and overall richness. They bind the ingredients together and help achieve that wonderfully soft texture.
Almond Extract: This is a secret weapon in our Black Forest Cake recipe! The nutty, slightly sweet notes of almond extract beautifully enhance the cherry flavor, adding an irresistible depth and complexity that makes the cake truly stand out. It creates a harmonious balance with both the chocolate and the cherries.
Cherry Pie Filling: For ultimate convenience, I use a canned cherry pie filling. It’s pre-sweetened and thickened, making layering a breeze. However, if you prefer a homemade touch, you can certainly prepare your own cherry filling from scratch for an extra personal touch.
Cool Whip: This light and airy whipped topping provides the perfect contrast to the dense chocolate cake and rich cherry filling. Its balanced sweetness and creamy texture complement the other flavors without being overly heavy, making for a delightful finish. For those who prefer, a homemade whipped cream can also be used for an equally delicious result!
The Fascinating Origin: Why “Black Forest Cake”?
The intriguing name “Black Forest Cake” often sparks curiosity. It’s commonly believed to be named after the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) region in southwestern Germany, renowned for its dark, dense forests, cherry orchards, and a distinctive alcoholic spirit. The classic German Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, traditionally incorporates Kirschwasser (cherry brandy), a specialty liquor made from distilled tart cherries unique to this region. This spirited connection, combined with the dark chocolate and red cherries, evokes the deep, rich colors and flavors associated with the Black Forest. While our easy recipe omits the Kirschwasser for a family-friendly version, the name pays homage to its esteemed German heritage, celebrated for its spongy chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and creamy layers.
What Does This Black Forest Cake Taste Like? A Flavor Profile
Prepare for a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. Our easy Black Forest Cake is a rich, satisfying indulgence, defined by its harmonious blend of deep chocolate and vibrant fruit. The moist chocolate cake offers an intense cocoa flavor that’s both comforting and luxurious. This dark, rich base is beautifully contrasted by the bright, juicy, and slightly tart sweetness of the cherry pie filling. Each bite delivers a delightful interplay – the smooth, creamy Cool Whip adds a delicate lightness that balances the richness of the chocolate and fruit. It’s a moist, flavorful, and incredibly tasty dessert, especially for those who cherish the classic combination of chocolate and fruit. You’ll experience a balanced sweetness that isn’t cloying, and a satisfying depth that keeps you coming back for more.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Irresistible Cake
Creating this beautiful Black Forest Cake is a straightforward process, making it enjoyable for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps for a dessert that’s sure to impress!
Prepare the Cake Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Next, prepare a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil, ensuring a slight overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. Generously grease both the pan and the foil with oil or butter to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and almond extract. Using a hand mixer, beat these ingredients together until they are just combined and smooth, typically about two minutes. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher cake.
Bake and Cool the Cake
Once your batter is ready, carefully transfer it into the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly across the surface. Bake the cake in your preheated oven for approximately eighteen to twenty minutes. To check for doneness, insert a knife or wooden skewer into the center of the cake; it should come out clean. When the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about ten minutes. This resting period helps the cake firm up. After 10 minutes, gently lift the cake from the pan using the foil and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is crucial before layering to prevent the filling from melting.
Assemble the Layers
While the cake is cooling, prepare your cherry filling. In a small bowl, mix the remaining almond extract with the canned cherry pie filling. This extra touch of almond extract intensifies the cherry flavor and adds an aromatic complexity. Once the cake is fully cooled, carefully cut it in half, creating two equal layers. Place one cake layer onto your chosen cake plate or serving dish. Spread half of the almond-infused cherry pie filling evenly over this first cake layer.
Carefully place the second cake layer directly on top of the cherry pie filling. Now, spread the remaining cherry pie filling over the second cake layer.
Frost and Serve
To finish your delightful Black Forest Cake, generously frost the top and sides with creamy Cool Whip. For a smooth finish, use an offset spatula to gently spread the topping. Once frosted, refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. This chilling time also helps the Cool Whip firm up, making for cleaner slices. When ready to serve, slice, and enjoy this simply delicious, show-stopping dessert! You can garnish with fresh cherries or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! If you love the sound of this easy black forest cake, be sure to save it. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest dessert recipe board or holiday baking collection so you’ll have the recipe handy for your next family dinner, festive celebration, or whenever a craving for chocolate and cherries strikes!
Expert Baking Tips for a Perfect Black Forest Cake
Achieving a perfect Black Forest Cake is simple with these helpful tips:
- You have the flexibility to use any kind of chocolate cake mix you prefer. While Devil’s Food offers a deep cocoa flavor, a classic chocolate fudge or even a milk chocolate mix would also be delicious and yield fantastic results.
- For the cherry pie filling, you can certainly go the extra mile and make your own filling from scratch if you enjoy homemade goodness. However, I often opt for canned pie filling because it’s incredibly quick, convenient, and consistently delivers wonderful flavor, making this recipe truly easy.
- If Cool Whip isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute it with a rich and creamy homemade whipped cream frosting. This will add another layer of fresh, dairy flavor to your cake.
- To store leftover cake, place it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will remain delicious for about a week.
- Always keep a close eye on your oven while baking. Ovens can vary, and overbaking the cake can lead to a dry texture. The toothpick test is your best friend here – remove the cake as soon as it comes out clean.
- Consider garnishing your finished cake with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings (dark chocolate works best!) to enhance both its visual appeal and its flavor.
- For extra neat layers, you can lightly dust your cutting surface with cocoa powder when slicing the cooled cake into halves.
The versatility and deliciousness of cherry pie filling extend far beyond just this cake! I absolutely adore it and could easily enjoy it by the spoonful. In fact, my Aunt has an amazing Jell-O salad recipe that cleverly uses both cherry pie filling and cherry Jell-O. We make her Cherry Pie Jell-O Salad every time we have ham – it’s a truly perfect pairing!
More Delicious Cherry and Chocolate Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this Black Forest Cake, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic recipes that celebrate the delightful combination of chocolate and cherries, or simply offer comforting sweetness:
- Cherry Filled Coffee Cake (pictured above) – A warm, inviting bake bursting with cherry flavor.
- Sour Cream Coffee Cake – A moist and tender coffee cake, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Strawberry Cake – A fruity and refreshing cake, ideal for spring and summer.
- Mom’s Cherry Dessert – A nostalgic and comforting cherry delight from my childhood.
- Carrot Bundt Cake – A classic, spiced cake that’s always a hit.
- Chocolate Cherry Brownies – Fudgy brownies elevated with the sweet tang of cherries.
- Chocolate Pancakes with Raspberry Sauce – A decadent breakfast or brunch option.
Easy to prepare and beautifully presented, this chocolate and cherry Black Forest Cake recipe is guaranteed to garner rave reviews from everyone who tastes it! It’s truly a simple pleasure that leaves a lasting impression. 
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Black Forest Cake
Equipment
-
Rubber Spatulas
-
Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
-
KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 15.25 oz Devils Food Cake Mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Filling:
- 1 21 oz can cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Topping:
- 12 ounces cool whip
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 15x10x1 baking sheet. Line with foil and grease foil. Set aside.
-
Using your mixer beat together cake mix, water, eggs and almond extract for 2 minutes.
-
Pour into your baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Gently lift cake form pan with foil and cool on a wire rack.
-
Mix almond extract with cherry pie filling.
-
Cut cake in half to make 2 (10×7-inch) layers. Place one layer on your serving dish, top with pie filling. Place remaining layer on top.
-
Frost top and sides with cool whip. Refrigerate until ready to eat.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on January 11, 2016. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on December 22, 2021.
