If you love a rich, moist, and chocolatey dessert, this Black Forest Cake is the perfect treat! This classic German dessert combines soft chocolate cake layers, sweet cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream frosting. My step-by-step guide makes this recipe simple, beginner-friendly, and perfect for any celebration. Let’s bake this heavenly chocolate cherry cake together!

Why You Will Love This Black Forest Cake

• Super moist and soft
• Made with simple kitchen ingredients
• Filled with fresh cherries
• Frosted with light whipped cream
• Perfect for birthdays, parties, and special occasions

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Chocolate Cake Layers

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (sifted)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cherry Syrup

• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup cherry liqueur or cherry syrup (non-alcoholic)

For the Whipped Cream Frosting

• 3 cups cold heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (sifted)

For Filling & Decoration

• 2 ½ cups cherries (pitted and halved)
• Chocolate shavings or chocolate bark
• Extra cherries for topping

Equipment You Will Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• hand mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula or knife
• Parchment paper
• Cake stand

How to Make Black Forest Cake (Step-by-Step)

• Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) for consistent and even baking.
• Prepare your pans: Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper. This ensures your cakes release easily and have clean edges.
• Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sifting removes lumps and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
• Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates a rich, moist batter.
• Add hot liquid: Gradually stir in hot water or hot coffee. This intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives the batter a silky, smooth consistency.
• Bring it all together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until smooth. The batter will be thin, that’s normal and key for a tender cake.
• Divide and level: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops to ensure even baking.
• Bake to perfection: Place in the oven for about 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool completely: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans before removing. Cooling completely prevents your frosting from melting and keeps the cake layers intact.

Prepare the Cherry Syrup

• Add sugar and water to a small saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 minute.
• Turn off the heat and stir in cherry liqueur or cherry syrup.
• Let it cool completely.

Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

• In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
• Keep it in the fridge until ready to use.

Assemble Your Black Forest Cake

• Slice each cake layer horizontally to make 4 layers in total.
• Place the first layer on a cake stand. Brush generously with cherry syrup.
• Spread whipped cream and add cherries.
• Repeat the layers: cake → syrup → whipped cream → cherries.
• Cover the entire cake with whipped cream frosting.
• Top your cake with delicate chocolate shavings and a few fresh, juicy cherries for an elegant and tempting finish.

If you love this cake, you’ll also enjoy my  Black Forest Cupcakes Recipe, with the same delicious flavors in perfectly sized cupcakes!

Expert Tips for Perfect Black Forest Cake

• Use fresh cherries if they are in season for better flavor and texture.
• Hot coffee deepens the chocolate taste and makes the cake richer.
• Chill your bowl before whipping cream for the best results.
• Let cakes cool fully warm cakes will melt the whipped cream.
• Use dark chocolate for a deeper, authentic flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
• Keep it covered to prevent the whipped cream from drying out.
• You can prepare the cake layers 1 day ahead and assemble them the next day.

More Variations You’ll Love

• Cherry Chip Cake
• Red Velvet Cake
• No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake
• Chocolate Espresso Cake
• Applesauce Cake
• Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Black Forest Cake without alcohol?

Yes! Simply use non-alcoholic cherry syrup or canned cherry juice.

Can I use canned cherries?

Yes, canned cherries or frozen cherries work perfectly.

Can I use whipped cream from a can?

No, it melts quickly. Always use freshly whipped heavy cream.

Why is my cake dry?

Overbaking can cause dryness. Always check the cake 5 minutes early.

Final Thoughts

This easy homemade Black Forest Cake is perfect for anyone who loves a rich, chocolatey dessert with a fruity cherry twist. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a weekend treat, this cake is moist, fluffy, and impressively beautiful. The whipped cream frosting keeps it light, while the cherries add the perfect pop of flavor.

The best part? This recipe is simple, beginner-friendly, and uses ingredients you already have at home. By following the step-by-step instructions, you’ll get a bakery-style cake without any stress.