simple black forest cake recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best simple black forest cake recipe

I have been making this simple black forest cake for years and it is always a hit with my family. My kids love helping me layer the chocolate cake with cherries and whipped cream. It is a perfect dessert for birthdays holidays or just a weekend treat. The best part is that it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus the cherries add a bit of fruit which makes me feel a little better about serving dessert. This recipe is straightforward and does not require any fancy techniques so anyone can make it. I promise you will get compliments every time you bring this cake to a gathering.

Simple Black Forest Cake

4.5 from 522 votes

A classic German chocolate cake with layers of moist chocolate sponge, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. This simplified version is easy to make at home with no complicated steps.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 10Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Filling and Topping

2 cans (15 oz each) pitted dark cherries in syrup
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate shavings for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans.
2In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4Stir in boiling water until batter is smooth. The batter will be thin. Pour evenly into prepared pans.
5Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6While cakes cool, make the cherry filling. Drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup of syrup. In a saucepan, combine reserved syrup and cherries. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir into cherry mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
7In a large chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
8Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cherry filling over the top, then spread a layer of whipped cream. Place the second cake layer on top. Spread remaining cherry filling over the top, then frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
9Garnish with chocolate shavings. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

🔧Equipment

Two 9 inch round cake pans
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Saucepan
Wire rack
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 38g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

Tips: For a lighter cake you can use buttermilk instead of whole milk. The cherry filling can be made a day ahead to save time. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Watch Video Of How Simple Black Forest Cake Works

This simple black forest cake is a dessert that always works for any occasion. It is easy to make and everyone loves the combination of chocolate and cherries. I hope you try it and enjoy it with your family as much as mine does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Black Forest Cake

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned?

Yes you can use frozen cherries. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. You may need to add a little extra cornstarch to thicken the filling because frozen cherries release more water.

2. How long does this cake stay fresh?

This cake stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in the refrigerator. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The whipped cream may soften over time but it will still taste delicious.

3. Can I make this cake without eggs?

You can substitute eggs with a flax egg or applesauce but the texture will be denser. For the best results I recommend using eggs as written in the recipe.

4. What can I use instead of heavy cream for the topping?

You can use a stabilized whipped topping like Cool Whip or make a coconut cream version by chilling a can of full fat coconut milk and whipping the solid part. This will change the flavor slightly but it still works well.

5. Can I freeze this black forest cake?

Yes you can freeze the cake layers before assembling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the cherry filling and whipped cream. Do not freeze the assembled cake because the cream will not thaw well.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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