How to Make Black Forest Cake

Black Forest cake is a decadent, chocolatey masterpiece that combines rich chocolate sponge, luscious whipped cream, and tart cherries, all crowned with chocolate shavings. Originating from Germany, this cake is often synonymous with celebration, indulgence, and that wow-factor dessert everyone loves.

Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or just a treat-yourself moment, Black Forest cake is elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly fun to make at home. The key is balancing the sweet chocolate, creamy layers, and slightly tangy cherries for the perfect bite every time.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  
• 2 cups granulated sugar
  
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  
• ½ teaspoon salt
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 1 cup whole milk
  
• ½ cup vegetable oil
  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling

• 1 (21 oz) can pitted dark cherries, drained (reserve juice)
  
• 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  
• 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur or cherry syrup (optional)

For the Whipped Cream

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  
• ½ cup powdered sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

• Chocolate shavings or curls
  
• Whole cherries for garnish
  

How to Make Black Forest Cake Step by Step

Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F
  
• Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper)

Make the Chocolate Sponge

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
   
2. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, mix until smooth
   
3. Carefully stir in boiling water (batter will be thin, that’s normal!)
   
4. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans
   
5. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean
   
6. Let cakes cool completely on wire racks

Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and cornstarch
   
2. Add 2 tablespoons of reserved cherry juice and cook over medium heat until thickened
   
3. Stir in cherry liqueur or syrup if using
   
4. Let cool before layering

 Whip the Cream

• In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form

Assemble the Cake

1. Slice each cake layer in half horizontally if you want extra layers
   
2. Place the first layer on a serving plate
   
3. Spread a layer of whipped cream, then spoon some cherry filling on top
   
4. Repeat with remaining layers
   
5. Frost the outside of the cake with whipped cream
   
6. Decorate with chocolate shavings and whole cherries

Tips for Perfect Black Forest Cake

Chill whipped cream before using, this helps it hold  better

Don’t overmix the cake batter, keep it light and airy

Reserve cherry juice to brush the cake layers, it  keeps them moist

For a boozy kick, brush each layer lightly with cherry liqueur

Fun Variations

1. Mini Black Forest Cupcakes – Layer chocolate cupcakes with cherries and cream
   
2. Vegan Black Forest Cake – Use plant-based cream and egg substitutes
   
3. Chocolate Ganache Drip – Add a ganache drizzle over the whipped cream frosting
   
4. Extra Cherry Layer – Double the cherry filling for an even fruitier experience

Black Forest cake is a showstopper dessert,  rich, indulgent, and perfect for special occasions. The combination of chocolate sponge, tart cherries, and fluffy cream creates a balanced, luxurious treat. Once you master it, you can impress friends and family with a homemade cake that rivals any bakery creation.