EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (2024)

This Easy Black Forest Cake is exactly what the title says it is. It is so simple to make, and full of amazing flavor. It only takes a few minutes to throw together and is so yummy.

EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (1)

So, it was my birthday this past week and this Easy Black Forest Cake is what I usually request for my birthday. My mom has been making it for as long as I can remember and it seriously is so simple to make.

It makes two cakes using two 8 or 9 inch cake pans, and nobody is opposed to two birthday cakes, am I right?

My favorite layer of the cake is the fluffy cream cheese layer. It adds the perfect amount of tang and creamy texture that the cake needs.

If you have never tried black forest cake, you need to stop what you are doing and make it right now.

RELATED RECIPE: YOU’LL LOVE THIS SUPER MOISTPINEAPPLE POKE BUNDT CAKE RECIPE.

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WHAT COULD I USE INSTEAD OF CHERRY PIE FILLING?

I am not usually a cherry pie filling kind of girl, but with this cake, I honestly can’t get enough. It tastes so yummy. If you have never tried it with the cherry pie filling, I highly recommend you do. However, you could easily switch it up.

Here are a few other recommendations, I am sure you will love:

  • Strawberry Pie Filling (I like to use the pie filling gel, then add my own fresh strawberries).
  • Raspberry Pie Filling
  • Blackberry Pie Filling (this one also tastes amazing with fresh blackberries)
  • Blueberry Pie Filling

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How to make Easy Black Forest Cake:

Spray 2 8″ or 9″ pans with non-stick cooking spray. Prepare cake mix with water, eggs and vegetable oil called for on cake mix directions. Split batter evenly between both pans and bake, following directions on back of cake mix box. Let cakes cool completely and remove from pans.

EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (3)
EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (4)

In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip. Divide evenly and spread half of whipped cream mixture over each cake.

EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (5)

Top each cake with cherry pie filling. Refrigerate cakes until ready to serve.

EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (6)

COULD I MAKE THIS BLACK FORREST CAKE USING A DIFFERENT CAKE MIX?

I am all about chocolate, however, you could easily switch out the chocolate cake mix for a vanilla or white.

If you use a white or vanilla cake mix, it will be very similar to ourStrawberries and Cream Cakerecipe.

We highly recommend giving either flavor a try because chocolate and white cake, are both delicious with this recipe.

Watch how to make another one of our favorite chocolate dessert recipes, here:

Did you know we have a Youtube Channel? We have hundreds of simple and delicious recipes, your family is going to love. We take you through each recipe, step by step, and show you exactly how to make them.

This No Bake Eclair Cake is light and rich and the same time. It is so rich and creamy, you won’t be able to resist. Plus that chocolate layer on top, really adds to the chocolatey goodness. It really is like an eclair in cake form.

Watch how to make this recipe, here:

EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (7)

Serves: 16

EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe

5 from 1 vote

This Easy Black Forest Cake is exactly what the title says it is. It is so simple to make, and full of amazing flavor. It only takes a few minutes to throw together and is so yummy.

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Ingredients

Chocolate cake:

  • 1 Devil's Food cake mix (I used 15.25 ounces Betty Crocker cake mix)
  • water, eggs, and oil called for in cake mix directions

Cream layer:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip Whipped Topping

Fruit Topping:

  • Your favorite pie filling*

Instructions

  • Spray 2 8" or 9" pans with non-stick cooking spray. Prepare cake mix with water, eggs and vegetable oil called for on cake mix directions. Split batter evenly between both pans and bake, following directions on back of cake mix box. Let cakes cool completely and remove from pans.

  • In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip. Divide evenly and spread half of whipped cream mixture over each cake.

  • Top each cake with cherry pie filling. Refrigerate cakes until ready to serve.

Notes

*I just buy the biggest can of cherry pie filling that I can find and it will usually cover both cakes. I love it with cherry, but my husband and sisters love strawberries (hence the different toppings in the pictures!). Really, any kind of fruit filling would be excellent on here. When we use strawberries, we usually just buy fresh strawberries at the store and then by a box of “Danish Dessert” glaze and mix the strawberries in that . . . it’s delicious.

Nutrition

Calories: 254 kcal · Carbohydrates: 42 g · Protein: 5 g · Fat: 8 g · Saturated Fat: 3 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 51 mg · Sodium: 322 mg · Potassium: 194 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 21 g · Vitamin A: 240 IU · Vitamin C: 1 mg · Calcium: 87 mg · Iron: 2 mg

Recipe Details

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (8)

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EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (9)

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  1. Cami says:

    Looks yummy!!! Do you think it would work with a 9 x 13? ( I lent my 8 inchers out and still don't have them back..)

  2. Sarah says:

    Mmm. Looks DELICIOUS. Definitely going to try it - though my brothers will probably eat it up in a second!

  3. Sunray Gardening says:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  4. Sunray Gardening says:

    I'm a new follower from the hop, please drop by and do same when you have time. Thanks.
    Cher
    http://sunraygardening.blogspot.com/

  5. Terri says:

    Sounds and looks yummy!! Thanks for visiting my blog & following!!

  6. The Daily Smash says:

    Looks great I just found your blog. Its so much fun. Check out my food blog

    www.thedailysmash101.blogspot.com

  7. Summer says:

    Looks fabulous! Thanks for the follow! I'm returning the favor!

  8. Joy @ Joy Of Desserts says:

    Happy belated birthday! Hope it was a great one, and wishing you many more.
    Thanks for linking at Joy of Desserts.

  9. Anonymous says:

    hi, i have been following your blog for about a month now. i really like it. i do not have any link. i'm not very computer savvy. i wonder if i could make the black forrest cake and since it makes two, could i freeze one for future use? i don't know if you anwser questions like this, but i thought i would give it a try. thanks!

  10. Camille says:

    Hi Anonymous! I have never frozen a cake before, but I googled it and it looks like the "cake" part will freeze just fine, but the cream cheese frosting and strawberry layer might not hold up so well- it would make the cake soggy as it thaws. So, if I were you, I would wrap one of the "cakes" in Saran Wrap and foil (or an air tight container) and freeze it, then when you are ready, pull it out and thaw it, then add toppings. I hope that helps!! Thanks for the question!

  11. Alice Prevost says:

    I made this for dinner tonight and my husband and I just love it. It is easy to make and looks just elegant. Could make it for a pot luck or a special occasion. Thank You for posting.Just yummie!

  12. Cyd says:

    This would totally work in a 9 x 13 inch pan.

  13. Lorenda says:

    I use a brownie mix for my Black Forest Cake. The cream cheese filling is a little different also, it is always a hit. I just bought your cook book and I'm really looking forward to trying out your recipes.

  14. Lisa C. says:

    I just made this tonight, it is one of the best cakes I've ever had, so easy to make and it's not too sweet or heavy, it was heaven ! Pure heaven !!!!! If you wanna get to his heart then this is the way to go !!!!!!

  15. Kate says:

    I am making it for my family hope they enjoy it it will be the first time for me making this cake. Can not wait for results

  16. Mary says:

    Love how easy this is and festive to look at! My only comment would be that one of the photos shows TWO cream cheese loafs in the bowl but the recipe calls for one. I followed the recipe. Hope that’s right.

  17. Cyd says:

    You are right. Just one 8 ounce block of cream cheese.

  18. Mary nethercutt says:

    I just want the recipe

  19. Cyd says:

    The full recipe is there with ingredient amounts and directions. You may not have scrolled down far enough in the post.

  20. Lisa says:

    I am making this right now but I'm gonna put the cherries on the cake 1st then the topping on top and chocolate savings on top of that. Thanks for this easy recipe. Yummy it's my favorite!

  21. Lynne says:

    I make something very similar, but I use fudge brownie mix instead of cake mix. Voila! Black Forest Brownie cake

  22. Michelle McCarten says:

    After you make both 8 inch round cakes - do you stack them or serve them separately? The pictures never stack but wondering if that would look cool and would realistically work?

  23. Momma Cyd says:

    We do not stack them. You could stack them, but the cherry pie filling in the center would need to be free of cherries and you would need more cherry pie filling than what is listed in the directions.

  24. Darlene says:

    Made this for my daughter’s 17th birthday. She loved it.

    EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (10)

EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (11)

About The Author:

Camille Beckstrand

Camille Beckstrand is married to Jared and they have 4 kids. She is a certified life coach that loves helping women become "unstuck" in their lives and is the host of the podcast "Moms On The Rise". She also loves a good true crime podcast, a big plate of cheesy loaded nachos, and going on adventures with her family.

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EASY Black Forest Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does Black Forest Cake contain? ›

Typically, Black Forest gateau consists of several layers of chocolate sponge cake sandwiched with whipped cream and cherries. It is decorated with additional whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and chocolate shavings.

What can I substitute for kirsch in Black Forest Cake? ›

Try cherry liqueurs or cherry vodka. Priscilla S. For Goodness Sake!

Why is there red in a Black Forest Cake? ›

Some claim that the Black Forest Cake was inspired by the colors – black, red and white – of the traditional dress worn by people in the Baden-Württemberg region of Germany.

What is Black Forest seasoning? ›

Preparation. Raw ham is salted and seasoned with garlic, coriander, pepper, juniper berries and other spices.

What is the difference between black forest cake and devils food cake? ›

The cherry filling and lightly sweetened whipped cream are true to traditional black forest cake recipes. However, the genoise sponge (which gets its lift from whipped eggs and sugar) is replaced with a devil's food cake. This creates a more rich chocolate cake that pairs beautifully with cream and cherries.

What is the difference between normal cake and Black Forest cake? ›

What's the difference between black forest cake and regular chocolate cake? Black forest cake is chocolate cake with cherries either in the batter, as a filling, or both and it's usually covered in whipped cream and chocolate ganache.

What is another name for Black Forest cake? ›

The Black Forest cake, also called Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is an authentic German cake made up of a chocolate layer cake with cherries in the middle and whipped cream on top. They are traditionally made with fresh Morello cherries, poached in a sugar syrup and pitted.

Why Black Forest cake is so famous? ›

Black Forest Cake is probably the most well known dessert of Germany. It became popular in the 1930's and while there are a million different recipes online, the true, authentic, legit German recipes all use a chocolate cake, cherries, cream and of course Kirschwasser.

Why is Black Forest Cake bitter? ›

Using too much baking soda or baking powder is one of the most frequent mistakes made by bakers. Be aware that using too much baking soda or baking powder will cause cakes to rise above their intended height, which can cause a big mess in the oven as well as a metallic, bitter taste.

Is cherry brandy the same as kirsch? ›

Kirsch is a clear spirit made from distilling sour cherries. It differs from cherry brandy which is generally brandy infused with cherries, as opposed to being distilled from them.

Can kids eat Black Forest Cake? ›

Kirsch, cherries and whipped cream are traditionally used as the filling in black forest cake. Because of the Kirsch alcohol used, traditional black forest cake is an adults-only recipe. However, my version is made without Kirsch which means the entire family can enjoy this delicious cake!

What is a fact about the Black Forest cake? ›

While the exact origins of the Black Forest cake are unclear, it is believed to have evolved from a traditional dessert called "Schwarzwälder Kirschwasser Torte," which translates to Black Forest cherry brandy torte. This dessert was made with layers of chocolate cake soaked in Kirsch and topped with cherries.

Should I keep Black Forest cake in fridge? ›

The recipe demands the cake to be kept in a cool, dark place, ideally in the refrigerator, to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth due to its rich cream and cherries components. Proper storage in the fridge ensures the integrity of the cake layers and the lush frosting, keeping the texture moist and the flavor rich.

Which cake is best, red velvet or Black Forest cake? ›

No. A BFG has multitudes of chocolate cake layers, real whipped cream, kirsch infused cherries and chocolate adornments. A red velvet is often a dry, red coloured fairly flavourless chocolate cake smothered in an overly sweet vanilla buttercream.

How long to heat black forest ham in oven? ›

Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in ½-1 inch of water on bottom of baking pan and cover with lid or seal with foil. Bake approximately 15 minutes per pound, or to an internal temperature of 140°F.

What does Black Forest mean in baking? ›

Meaning of Black Forest cake in English

a type of large chocolate cake, made with layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and cream, originally from the Black Forest area of Germany: In an authentic Black Forest cake, the layers are soaked in cherry brandy and the filling is made with sour cherries.

What is the difference between normal cake and black forest cake? ›

What's the difference between black forest cake and regular chocolate cake? Black forest cake is chocolate cake with cherries either in the batter, as a filling, or both and it's usually covered in whipped cream and chocolate ganache.

How do you bake in the backcountry? ›

How to Bake in the Backcountry
  1. Use a stove (any type) turned down as low as possible. ...
  2. Place dough or batter (any recipe will do, or use pre-made dough) in a nonstick or greased pot. ...
  3. Build a small fire on the lid using twigs and small sticks; gather plenty to keep feeding the fire until baking is done.
Jul 10, 2017

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