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 can you use instead of kirsch in black forest cake? ›

Cherry brandy should be a good alternative to kirsch, particularly if you already have some.

What is a substitute for alcohol in Black Forest cake? ›

However, to make the cake alcohol free you can replace it with cherry juice. Don't overwhip the cream. Overwhipping heavy cream will turn it into butter.

What is Black Forest filling made of? ›

Black forest cake, which originated in the Black Forest region of Germany, is typically made with a light chocolate sponge cake, soaked with cherry syrup and cherry brandy (Kirsch), then layered with whipped cream and cherries.

How to bake Black Forest? ›

Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat until combined. Pour cake batter into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean, about 35 minutes.

Can I use rum instead of kirsch? ›

Kirsch or rum: Traditionally kirsch aka kirschwasser is used, however, you can use rum or cherry brandy if you can't find any.

What can I substitute for cherry liqueur in a Black Forest Cake? ›

It is technically brandy, so cognac or brandy works. Please remember that kirsch isn't sweet, so no sweetened cherry-flavored liqueurs will do. Vodka or a golden rum are good substitutes, too. Cherry juice is perfect for a kid-friendly version.

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

Unlike traditional German black forest cake that's made with layers of decadent chocolate sponge, rich cherry filling and topped with whipped cream, Swiss Pastry Shop's black forest cake is made with light and airy layers of almond meringue known as dacquoise (dah-kwahz), whipped cream and plenty of chocolate shavings.

What is the difference between white forest and Black Forest cake? ›

What is the difference between white forest cake and black forest cake? A black forest cake has chocolate cake layers while a white forest cake has vanilla layers. Both are filled with whipped cream and cherries.

What is the difference between red velvet cake and Black Forest cake? ›

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.

Why is the Black Forest so special? ›

The mountain range is known for its lushness, lakes, rivers, gorgeous valleys, and wildlife and has some of the best hiking trails and water sports in the summer. The mountain range runs north to south, with the Rhine Valley to the west. In addition, the Danube River originates in the Black Forest.

Should Black Forest cake be refrigerated? ›

Due to the presence of dairy in the form of whipped cream and the succulent cherries, a Black Forest Cake has a limited shelf life. Generally, when stored in the refrigerator or fridge, it maintains its texture and flavor for 3-4 days. In the freezer, properly stored, it can be kept for 2-3 months.

Why do they call it Black Forest? ›

The very name Black Forest conjures up an image of a gloomy, forbidding wilderness, which was probably quite near the mark at the time the Romans gave it its name: 'Silva Negra', which literally means 'Black Forest' in Latin. The Romans were scared of forests and saw danger lurking behind every tree.

What is the difference between Black Forest cake and devil's 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's the difference between chocolate cake and black forest cake? ›

FAQs: What is the difference between black forest cake and chocolate cake? Black forest cake is traditionally made with chocolate sponge cake layers brushed with kirsch, cherry filling, and whipped cream as frosting. It's decorated with maraschino cherries and chocolate shavings.

Where is the original Black Forest cake? ›

This sumptuous dessert has a very marked geographical origin. The Black Forest is a region in southwestern Germany that borders the Alsace region of France. In 1915, a pastry chef named Josef Keller is said to have made the first Black Forest cake in his tearoom in Bad Godesberg.

What can I replace kirsch with in a recipe? ›

You could soak some dried cherries, raisins or other dried fruit in alcohol to make your substitute. The alcohol will pretty much cook off (evaporate) during the baking, so you could substitute a berry or red juice such as pomegranate or cranberry. You could try mixing some cherry or other jam with a little warm water.

Is cherry liqueur the same as kirsch? ›

Unlike cherry liqueurs and cherry brandies, Kirschwasser is not sweet. It is sometimes distilled from fermented cherry juice.

What can I use instead of cherry liqueur? ›

Cherry syrup is a good substitute for cherry liqueur. Or, use these other cherry liqueur alternatives and replacements based on your diet, taste, or available ingredients.

Are kirsch and cherry brandy the same? ›

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.

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