• About
    • PR Info
  • Recipe Index
  • By Course
    • Appetizer
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Condiments & Sauces
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Soup
  • By Holiday
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fall
    • New Year’s Eve
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Summer
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • By Method
    • Air Fryer
    • Casseroles
    • Dutch Oven
    • Fried
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Rebecca’s Faves
Get recipes in your inbox
sign up!
Get recipes in your inbox
sign up!

Sugar and Soul

Recipes for Busy Families and Special Occasions

  • About
    • PR Info
  • Recipe Index
  • By Course
    • Appetizer
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Condiments & Sauces
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Soup
  • By Holiday
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fall
    • New Year’s Eve
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Summer
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • By Method
    • Air Fryer
    • Casseroles
    • Dutch Oven
    • Fried
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
  • Appetizers
  • Breakfast
  • Beverages
    • Cocktails
    • Non-Alcoholic
    • Punch & Sangria
  • Desserts
    • Brownies
    • Cake
    • Cheesecake
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Frosting
    • Fudge
    • Pie
  • Dinner Time
    • 30 Minute Meals
    • Beef
    • Casseroles
    • Chicken
    • Pasta
    • Pork
    • Seafood
  • Side Dishes
Home » Recipes » Dessert » Cake » Black Forest Cake

Black Forest Cake

By: Rebecca  |  Published: July 1, 2018  |  Updated: March 2, 2020  |   View Our Affiliate Disclosure Policy

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Decadent chocolate cake + boozy cherry filling + sweet whipped cream = a recipe for Black Forest Cake perfection! You're gonna love this classic German dessert! via @sugarandsoulco

Decadent chocolate cake + boozy cherry filling + sweet whipped cream = a recipe for Black Forest Cake perfection! You’re gonna love this classic German dessert!

Decadent chocolate cake + boozy cherry filling + sweet whipped cream = a recipe for Black Forest Cake perfection! You're gonna love this classic German dessert!

One of my all-time favorite cakes is the Black Forest Cake. Chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream are a flavor combo made in heaven!

This cake is a holiday favorite in our house, but is actually a perfect summer dessert! Cherry season just happens to fall in the warmer months in North America, and the lovely ruby gems look so pretty on the finished dessert!

If fresh cherries are nowhere to be found, a jar or two of tart Morello cherries will make a fantastic (and actually more traditional) substitute. Just don’t forget the kirsch!

What Is It?

Also known as a Black Forest gateau, this cake is based on the German dessert Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte or Black Forest Cherry-torte.

This cake traditionally consists of layers of chocolate sponge cake sandwiched together with whipped cream and a cherry filling. The cake is brushed with kirschwasser, a cherry liqueur for added moisture – and in Germany, the law mandates the liqueur be present for it to be a true Kirschtorte!

This cake is not actually named after the south-western Germany Black Forest mountain range, but after this revered spirit that is distilled from tart cherries in that area.

Decadent chocolate cake + boozy cherry filling + sweet whipped cream = a recipe for Black Forest Cake perfection! You're gonna love this classic German dessert!

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that chocolate cakes like this Black Forest Cake are too heavy for summer! The whipped cream keeps the light sponge cake from forming that all too familiar dessert-shaped brick in your belly after a big meal.

If you’re anything like me and think dessert is required after a meal, that feeling is probably something you’ve experienced. I always say I have a second stomach for sweets, but sometimes my eyes are bigger than that stomach!

Luckily, this cake is easy to devour – the tart cherries are a wonderful contrast to the rich cake. You actually might find yourself going after a second slice before the night is over!

How To Make It:

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and lining the cake pans with parchment paper and non-stick spray.
  2. Whisk your dry ingredients together in one bowl, and your wet ones in another.
  3. Gradually beat the wet ingredients into the dry, then blend in eggs one at a time.
  4. Divide the batter evenly between 3 greased 8-inch cake pans. Bake the cakes for 22+ minutes until they begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool them completely on wire racks while you make your cherry filling.
  5. Combine kirsch-soaked cherries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Cook it all up for about 10 minutes until it’s thick, adding a cornstarch & water mixture to the pan to help it along. Cool it down.
  6. Whip up some heavy cream and powdered sugar into a simple whipped cream. Keep it cold until you’re ready to put the cake together.
  7. Place a layer of cake on a board or plate and brush it generously with kirsch. Spread a layer of whipped cream on it, then spread half of the cherry filling on top. Leave a 1/2-inch border on the outside, then gently press the second layer of cake on top.
  8. Repeat step 6. Brush the third and final layer with more kirsch. Crumb coat the cake with whipped cream, then chill it for at least 30 minutes.
  9. Ice the entire cake with whipped cream, then garnish the sides with grated chocolate. Pipe swirls of whipped cream on top of the cake and garnish with fresh cherries.

Recipe Tips:

  • Yes, you CAN make this with a cake mix! Substitute the water the box calls for with buttermilk, and add some vanilla extract and/or espresso powder to amp up the chocolate flavors.
  • Got a can of cherry filling? Mix it with 1 teaspoon of kirsch and use it as a quick filling.
  • No fresh cherries to be found? Drain a jar of tart cherries and soak them in kirsch for at least an hour, then proceed with the filling recipe.
  • A store-bought tub of whipped cream is a great substitute for homemade whipped cream in a pinch.
  • For an even faster poke cake, bake the batter in a 9×13 cake pan. Use a fork to poke holes in the warm baked cake, brush it with kirsch, then spread the cherry filling over the top, allowing it to sink into the cake. Top with whipped cream and chocolate curls.

More Delicious Chocolate Recipes:

  • Caramel Martini Chocolate Mousse Cake
  • Chocolate Beet Cake with Balsamic Berries
  • Black Forest Cobbler
  • Black Forest Cupcakes
  • Chocolate Cookie Butter Cake
Decadent chocolate cake + boozy cherry filling + sweet whipped cream = a recipe for Black Forest Cake perfection! You're gonna love this classic German dessert!

Black Forest Cake

Rebecca Hubbell
Decadent chocolate cake + boozy cherry filling + sweet whipped cream = a recipe for Black Forest Cake perfection! You’re gonna love this classic German dessert!
5 from 3 votes
Prevent your screen from going dark
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
Prep Time 1 hr
Cook Time 25 mins
Cooling Time 2 hrs
Total Time 1 hr 25 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine German
Servings 12 people
Calories 670

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs

Cherry Filling

  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh cherries pitted
  • 1/2 cup kirsch
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon water divided
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Whipped Cream

  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • Grated dark chocolate for garnish
  • Fresh cherries for garnish

Instructions
 

Chocolate Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line with parchment paper three 8" round cake pans. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  • In a separate large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually beat the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating until well blended and smooth. Divide the batter into the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake 22-28 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then flip them onto a cooling rack and cool completely.

Cherry Filling

  • Soak cherries 2 hours or overnight in the kirsch. Drain cherries through a fine mesh sieve, reserving the kirsch. Whisk cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water together in a small bowl.
  • Bring the soaked cherries, sugar, and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the cornstarch & water and stir to combine. Cook 10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Whipped Cream

  • Whip the cream until soft peaks form, then slowly add the sugar on low speed until incorporated. Whip until stiff peaks form.

Assembly

  • Trim each layer to create even layers. Place the first layer on a cake board or plate and brush reserved kirsch over the surface.
  • Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the cake, then top with 1/2 of the cherry filling. Repeat on the next layer. Top with the final layer of cake, brushing the top with kirsch.
  • Crumb coat the cake with a thin layer of whipped cream, then chill it for 30 minutes. 
  • Ice the cake with the remaining whipped cream to coat the sides and top of the cake. Decorate the sides with the grated chocolate. Pipe dollops of whipped cream on top of the cake, then garnish with fresh cherries.
  • Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve, up to a few hours. The cake will hold in the fridge for about 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 670kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 8gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 328mgPotassium: 443mgFiber: 4gSugar: 50gVitamin A: 1070IUVitamin C: 4.3mgCalcium: 141mgIron: 2.5mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me now!Mention @sugarandsoulco or tag #sugarandsoulco!
Pin
Share
Email
Print
Bookmark
2687Shares

Cake Dessert Recipes

About Erica Acevedo

Erica is a Florida-bred, Dominican-wed, nerdy foodie with an eye for pretty photos and incurable wanderlust, who learned everything she knows in the kitchen and about life from her Nana. She discovered her love of food at a young age and launched The Crumby Kitchen in 2014, where she shares her kitchen triumphs with a bit of sass and panache.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fatma farhat says

    May 16, 2020 at 11:16 pm

    Hi, are you sure the oven at 350 degrees not 350 F ??

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      May 17, 2020 at 12:07 am

      I’m confused by your question, can you clarify?

      Reply
    • Krysta says

      August 27, 2020 at 12:40 pm

      Yes, it’s F … if it was C, you’d get charcoal! : )

      Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    July 5, 2018 at 7:55 pm

    5 stars
    This cake looks so amazing! And cherries are all over the market right now!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      July 6, 2018 at 10:44 am

      It’s definitely the perfect time to make it!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

I'm Rebecca!

I love sharing sweet and savory recipes that are tested and perfected in my kitchen so they'll be an instant favorite in yours!

Read More

What's Trending!

  • These Brownie Cookies are made from an adapted brownie box mix and are loaded with chocolate chips! They have a crisp outer edge and chewy fudge center just like a classic brownie! Brownie Cookies
  • American Chop Suey is a delicious and easy dinner recipe made with ground beef, tomato, onion, green pepper, macaroni, and spices. Pure comfort food made on the stovetop in just 30 minutes and makes a great weeknight dinner! American Chop Suey
  • Lactation Brownies are an easy dessert that helps increase milk production with added ingredients like coconut milk, Brewer's yeast, and oatmeal! Lactation Brownies
  • This Fish Taco Sauce is the ultimate topping for fish tacos. It's a creamy a delicious blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha, garlic, and cumin. Fish Taco Sauce
  • Lactation Cookies are an easy dessert recipe that helps increase milk production with added ingredients like coconut milk, Brewer’s yeast, and oatmeal! Lactation Cookies
  • Multi colored jello shots in a white bowl. How To Make Jello Shots

get the latest recipes

Subscribe for all the recipes in your inbox!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Delicious Dinners!

A serving spoon scooping out a serving of Greek Chicken Quinoa from a pan.

One Pan Greek Chicken Quinoa

Close up photo of air fryer filet mignon on a black plate on a green napkin.

Air Fryer Steak (Filet Mignon)

Close up photo of a chicken pot pie with a slice missing out of it.

Classic Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Chop sticks taking a piece of Mongolian beef out of a bowl.

Mongolian Beef – P.F. Chang’s Copycat Recipe

Close up photo of a bbq chicken sandwich with coleslaw and pickles with an instant pot in the background.

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

Close up photo of mini pizza on wood plate.

Air Fryer Pizzas (Made With Biscuits)

Close up photo of chicken wings coated in a sticky sauce and topped with scallions.
Two pieces of Baklava stacked on top of each other.
This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe inspired by the Chicago staple that has so much flavor it will literally melt in your mouth!
This Fish Taco Sauce is the ultimate topping for fish tacos. It's a creamy a delicious blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha, garlic, and cumin.
These Brownie Cookies are made from an adapted brownie box mix and are loaded with chocolate chips! They have a crisp outer edge and chewy fudge center just like a classic brownie!
American Chop Suey is a delicious and easy dinner recipe made with ground beef, tomato, onion, green pepper, macaroni, and spices. Pure comfort food made on the stovetop in just 30 minutes and makes a great weeknight dinner!
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo
Featured logo

Footer

Sugar and Soul

Sugar & Soul is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

About

  • Home
  • About
  • PR Info
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse Recipes

  • Air Fryer
  • Appetizer
  • Beverages
  • Breakfast
  • Dessert
  • Dinner
  • Instant Pot
  • Pasta
  • Sides
  • Slow Cooker
  • Soup
  • Vegetarian
Copyright ©2021, Sugar and Soul | Privacy Policy | Design by Pixel Me Designs