Black Forest Cream Cake Recipe

If you adore luscious chocolate layers combined with juicy cherries and fluffy cream, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Black Forest Cream Cake Recipe. It’s a stunning celebration of rich cocoa sponge, tangy cherry filling, and whipped cream that’s both elegant and comforting, perfect for gatherings or indulging your sweet tooth at home. Every bite delivers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that make this cake a timeless favorite in any dessert lineup.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Black Forest Cream Cake Recipe plays a crucial role, from the tender chocolate sponge to the vibrant cherry filling and airy whipped cream. These components come together effortlessly, showcasing how simple ingredients can create something truly magical.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the sponge cake, ensuring a soft yet sturdy base.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses deep chocolate flavor and beautiful color into the cake layers.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake to rise light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
• Large eggs: Add richness and act as a natural binder for the batter.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right while aiding in creating a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Milk: Keeps the sponge moist and tender for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vegetable oil: Ensures the cake stays soft and not dry, contributing to a light bite.
• Morello cherries: Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers and chocolate.
• Cherry juice or syrup: Used to make a luscious cherry filling and to brush the cake layers for moisture and flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling to a perfect consistency.
• Kirsch (optional): Adds authentic cherry brandy notes that elevate the cake’s classic profile.
• Heavy whipping cream: Forms the light, fluffy whipped cream that balances the richness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without any graininess.
• Instant pudding mix or gelatin (optional): Stabilizes the whipped cream for longer-lasting texture.
• Dark chocolate curls or shavings: Perfect for decorating and adding a touch of elegance and extra chocolate goodness.
• Whole cherries: Fresh or maraschino cherries for a cheerful and appetizing garnish.

How to Make Black Forest Cream Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Sponge Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two 8-inch round pans with grease and parchment paper. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt for an even mix, ensuring your cake rises beautifully and has a tender crumb. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar vigorously until the mixture turns thick and pale, which is key to achieving a light and airy sponge. Gently fold in vanilla, milk, and oil before carefully combining the dry ingredients without overmixing. Divide your silky batter evenly into the pans and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, let your cakes cool completely before slicing horizontally into layers, a vital step to create those elegant tiers filled with luscious cream and cherries.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

Drain the cherries while reserving their flavorful juice; this juice is the star for making the thick cherry filling. In a small saucepan, whisk the cherry juice with cornstarch and cook it gently until it thickens into a glossy syrup. Stir in the cherries and if you’re embracing tradition, a splash of Kirsch to deepen the flavor. Allow the filling to cool completely, so it sets nicely and doesn’t melt the whipped cream when layered.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

Beat the cold heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, giving you that luxuriously fluffy cream that’s a hallmark of this cake. For extra stability, especially if you plan on making this ahead or serving for a long time, you can fold in instant pudding mix or dissolve some gelatin to keep the cream firm and fresh.

Step 4: Assemble Your Black Forest Cream Cake Recipe

Slice each cooled chocolate cake into 3 to 4 layers, so you have plenty of surfaces to layer cream and cherries. Place the first cake layer on your stand or plate, brush it with cherry syrup or Kirsch to keep things moist and flavorful, then spread a generous amount of whipped cream followed by a spoonful of cherry filling. Repeat the layering process for each cake layer, and make sure to finish off with a thick coating of whipped cream covering the top and sides for a pristine, inviting look.

Step 5: Decorate and Chill

Press dark chocolate shavings or curls over the sides and top of the cake for a dramatic, professional finish. Pipe pretty cream rosettes along the edge and place whole cherries on top, giving your masterpiece that classic Black Forest look and a pop of color. For the ultimate presentation, drizzle some cherry syrup or melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence. Refrigerate your cake for at least 2 to 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld beautifully and to allow the cream to stabilize.

How to Serve Black Forest Cream Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Serving this cake with a few fresh cherries or additional chocolate curls on each slice immediately excites the eye and adds extra bursts of flavor and texture. You might also dust a little cocoa powder on top or add a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for a delicate finish that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair this Black Forest Cream Cake Recipe with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee, black tea, or a glass of sparkling wine for a perfect balance between sweetness and refreshment. Light fruit salads or sorbets can also complement the richness, keeping your palate fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in clear glass cups layered with cake, cherry filling, and whipped cream for a trendy deconstructed Black Forest treat. Alternatively, slice the cake into small squares for a buffet or party, each topped with a cherry and a curl of chocolate to impress your guests with style and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cake fresh by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container and refrigerating. The whipped cream and cherry filling stay deliciously fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of this Black Forest Cream Cake Recipe by wrapping them individually and placing them in a freezer-safe container. While freezing may affect the texture of the whipped cream slightly, it’s a great way to keep the cake for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture after freezing, letting it warm to room temperature for about 20 minutes will bring out the flavors without compromising the cream’s lightness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of jarred cherries?

Absolutely! Fresh morello or sour cherries make a wonderful substitute and bring a lively freshness to the filling. Just be sure to pit them and cook with juice or a bit of water to achieve the right consistency.

Is it necessary to use Kirsch in the Black Forest Cream Cake Recipe?

Kirsch is traditional and gives the cake its iconic hint of cherry brandy flavor, but it’s optional. If you want the cake kid-friendly or prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can simply omit Kirsch without losing the essence of the cake.

How do I keep the whipped cream from becoming watery?

Using heavy cream that is very cold and whipping it to stiff peaks helps retain firmness. Adding a stabilizer like instant pudding mix or gelatin also works wonders to prevent it from breaking down or becoming watery over time.

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Yes! In fact, this Black Forest Cream Cake Recipe benefits from resting overnight in the fridge. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing much easier.

What’s the best way to slice the cake neatly?

Use a long, sharp serrated knife and warm it by dipping in hot water, wiping it dry before slicing. This helps you get nice clean layers without tearing the soft cake or smushing the fillings.

Final Thoughts

This Black Forest Cream Cake Recipe is a true labor of love that rewards you with rich chocolate flavors, tangy cherries, and silky cream in every mouthful. Whether it’s a special celebration or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this cake promises to delight and impress. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite dessert to cherish and share with those you love.