This Black Forest Cake is a stunning dessert that combines layers of moist chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream frosting, and sweet cherry filling into one gorgeous creation. Inspired by traditional German desserts from the Black Forest region of Germany, this easy Black Forest Cake recipe uses a modified devil’s food cake mix so you can skip all the fuss and get right to the good stuff. Each bite is packed with rich chocolate and juicy cherries, making it perfect for special occasions, birthday celebrations or holiday dinners.
Yes! While Devil’s Food Cake Mix gives you a rich, rich chocolate flavor, making it a classic chocolate cake, you can substitute any chocolate cake mix you like. Keep in mind that the darker the mix, the more dramatic and traditional the finished cake will look.
Absolutely! Traditional Black Forest cake is often flavored with cherry liqueur or kirsch to create an authentic, mature flavour. You can add a bit of cherry syrup to the cherry syrup you brush into each layer, or stir a tablespoon or two into the cherry pie filling. If you’re serving this to kids, simply omit the alcohol and substitute black cherry syrup or homemade cherry syrup.
This recipe works for three 6-inch pans or two 9-inch cake pans. You can also use a springform pan, which makes it easier to remove the cake without damaging the layers. No matter which one you choose, be sure to spray each pan with baking spray and line it with parchment paper for easiest unmolding.
Make sure your heavy cream is very cold before you start whipping it. Using a frozen medium bowl and frozen whisk attachment on your electric mixer can also help. The white chocolate instant pudding mix in this recipe acts as a stabilizer, which helps the frosting maintain its shape longer than regular whipped cream. Beat on medium-high speed until cream reaches stiff peaks.
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Ingredient description
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix: Creates a rich, rich chocolate base for cakes.
- Large eggs: Binds batter and adds moisture and structure.
- milk: Adds moisture to a soft crumb.
- Salted butter: Gives cakes a rich, soft texture.
- sour cream: Keeps the layers moist and subtly flavored.
- Heavy cream: Whip into light and fluffy frosting.
- White Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix: Stabilizes whipped cream and adds sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Makes the frosting sweet without any graininess.
- Maraschino cherries: Serve cherry syrup for top layer and decoration.
- Cherry Pie Filling: A sweet, thick filling is layered between the cakes.
- Chocolate chips: Adds an elegant finishing touch to cakes.
black forest cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray three 6-inch baking pans or two 9-inch cake pans with baking spray. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, milk, melted cream, and sour cream until smooth.
- Pour evenly into three prepared cake pans and smooth into an even layer. Bake for 22-27 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top springs back when lightly tapped.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before placing on a cooling rack. Allow the cake to cool completely before assembling it.
- When ready to assemble the cake, make the frosting by placing the heavy cream, white chocolate pudding mix, and powdered sugar in a large bowl and beating together with a handheld or stand mixer.
- Continue to stir mixture until thick and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a cake stand or tray. Brush the first layer with cherry syrup until covered in a thin, even layer.
- Place some of the whipped icing into a large piping bag fitted with a 1M Wilton or similar size tip. Spread a layer of whipped cream around the edges and in the middle of the cream layer.
- Spread the frosting evenly in the center but a little higher on the edges.
Top with about 1 ⅓ cup cherry pie filling and spread in an even layer, avoiding outer edges.
- Place the second layer of cake on top and repeat steps 6-8. Keep repeating this process until the last layer of cake is placed on top. Use remaining whipped cream frosting to completely cover top and outside of cake.
- Garnish sides and top with chocolate shavings and maraschino cherries, as desired.
- enjoy!
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black forest cake
This Black Forest Cake is a stunning dessert that combines layers of moist chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream frosting, and sweet cherry filling into one gorgeous creation.
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Calories: Chapter 694kilocalories | carbohydrate: 84gram | protein: 7gram | Fat: 38gram | Saturated fat: twenty onegram | Polyunsaturated fats: 3gram | Monounsaturated fats: 11gram | Trans fats: 0.3gram | cholesterol: 119milligrams | sodium: 609milligrams | Potassium: Chapter 438milligrams | fiber: 4gram | sugar: 36gram | Vitamin A: 1178IU | Vitamin C: 4milligrams | calcium: 160milligrams | iron: 3milligrams
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Meals is not a nutritionist or nutritionist and any nutritional information shared is an estimate only. If you need to verify any information, we recommend calculating the ingredients using our online nutrition calculator.
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