If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that balances rich chocolate, luscious cherries, and billowy cream, Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is about to become your new favorite. This iconic German cake layers decadent chocolate sponge, tangy cherry filling, and clouds of whipped cream, finished with a flourish of dark chocolate shavings and gleaming cherries. Every slice is as gorgeous as it is irresistible, making this cake a true celebration centerpiece and a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting looks and tastes extravagant, the magic happens with a collection of humble ingredients. Each one plays its own crucial role—deepening the chocolate, adding juicy fruitiness, or giving the frosting its irresistible lightness—so don’t skip a thing.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, delivering soft crumb without heaviness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Supplies the bittersweet chocolate depth that makes this sponge so seductive.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender, moist cake.
- Baking powder & baking soda: You’ll need both for the perfect lift and a tender crumb.
- Salt: Brings out chocolate’s richness and balances the sweetness.
- Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar): Adds tang and moisture, making the cake ultra-soft.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the sponge moist even after chilling.
- Eggs: Holds everything together and gives structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the cake’s chocolatey flavor.
- Hot coffee or hot water: Deepens the cocoa notes and helps create a super tender crumb.
- Pitted cherries (jarred, fresh, or frozen): Brings vibrant color and juicy bursts of tartness to every bite.
- Sugar (for cherry filling): Sweetens up the cherries and helps create a syrupy texture.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the cherry layer so it’s perfectly spoonable.
- Kirsch (cherry brandy, optional): For that authentic Black Forest flavor, but feel free to skip or swap it if desired.
- Heavy cream: Essential for the cloud-like whipped cream frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Lightly sweetens the frosting without making it gritty.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds just the right touch of warmth to the whipped cream.
- Chocolate shavings or curls: For the signature finishing touch and a delightful texture contrast.
- Whole cherries (fresh or maraschino): Turns the cake into a festive, mouthwatering masterpiece.
How to Make Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Sponge
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease three 8-inch round pans (parchment lining is your friend for easy removal later). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add in buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until silky smooth—don’t over-mix! Gently stir in hot coffee or water; the batter will seem thin, but that’s the secret to an ultra-moist sponge. Divide the batter evenly among your pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs. Let the cakes cool completely before moving to the next stage.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your cherries and sugar, simmering until the fruit releases its juices and the mixture gets syrupy, roughly 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch-water slurry, cooking for another couple of minutes until thickened to a jammy consistency. If you want a real Black Forest kick, add the Kirsch once you’ve taken the pan off the heat. Set the filling aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for the fluffiest result. Pour the cold heavy cream into the bowl and whip on medium-high speed. Once soft peaks form, sprinkle in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue whipping until you see stiff peaks that hold their shape—careful not to over-beat! Keep this frosting cold in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
Step 4: Assemble the Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting
Set one layer of chocolate sponge on your serving plate. Gently brush on some cherry syrup from the filling for extra moisture, then spread an even layer of whipped cream and spoon over some cherry filling. Top with the next layer and repeat. Place the final sponge on top and frost the whole cake with your remaining whipped cream, swooping it all around to create pretty, rustic peaks. This is where the magic starts to come together!
Step 5: Decorate
For the classic finish, sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls generously over the cake. Arrange fresh or maraschino cherries on top for a pop of color and extra drama. Finally, let your Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting chill in the fridge for at least an hour to set the flavors before slicing into it.
How to Serve Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting
Garnishes
Pile on those chocolate shavings with abandon—a block of good dark chocolate and a veggie peeler work wonders here. Dot the cake with glossy cherries for eye-catching appeal. If you’re feeling extra, pipe little rosettes of whipped cream around each slice and nestle a cherry in the center. It’s these finishing touches that make Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting truly shine.
Side Dishes
Since this cake is the star, keep sides light and simple. A bowl of fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad cuts through all the richness. If you’re entertaining, offer up a cup of strong black coffee or even a shot of Kirsch on the side—both echo the flavors of the cake beautifully and make each bite more celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual mini cakes always look adorable for parties—simply use a biscuit cutter and assemble as you would the larger version. Or, for an unexpected twist, incorporate Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting into a layer trifle, using clear glass to show off the gorgeous stripes. Even cupcakes with the same components offer all the magic in easy-to-grab portions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The whipped cream keeps the cake moist, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making those second-day slices extra tempting.
Freezing
You can freeze the chocolate sponge cakes ahead of time, tightly wrapped, for up to a month. However, it’s best to assemble Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting fresh, since the whipped cream can separate after thawing. For longer storage, freeze plain cake layers and add toppings just before serving.
Reheating
Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no need for reheating. If your cake has chilled overnight, just let it sit out for 20 minutes before cutting for the silkiest texture and deepest flavors.
FAQs
Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
Absolutely! Canned or jarred cherries work beautifully and cut down on prep time. Just be sure to drain them well and adjust the sugar to taste if they’re already sweetened.
What’s the difference between Black Forest Cake and other chocolate cakes?
Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is all about layers. It stands apart for its combination of chocolate sponge, real cherries (and often cherry brandy), and fluffy whipped cream—no heavy buttercream here! Each element delivers a unique flavor and texture you won’t find in standard chocolate cakes.
Is the Kirsch (cherry brandy) necessary?
Kirsch gives Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting its classic grown-up flavor, but you can easily leave it out or substitute it with cherry juice, especially if you’re serving kids or prefer an alcohol-free option.
How can I keep the whipped cream from deflating?
For stable whipped cream, chill your bowl and beaters, use heavy cream with at least 35 percent fat, and whip just until stiff peaks form. Adding powdered sugar helps stabilize the frosting and keeps it fluffy longer in the fridge.
Can I make this Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting as cupcakes?
Absolutely! Bake your chocolate sponge in cupcake tins and layer with cherry filling and whipped cream. Decorate with a cherry and a chocolate curl for the ultimate party treat.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making it for a special birthday, holiday, or just because you’re craving something celebratory, Black Forest Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is a dessert guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients, embrace the messy chocolate curls, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this iconic, utterly joyful creation!