Little Red’s Easy Black Forest Cake (A Chocolate-Cherry Fairytale Dessert)

Because even the Big Bad Wolf would behave for a slice.

This easy Black Forest cake recipe is what happens when a classic German dessert wanders off the path and discovers a shortcut that still tastes like pure magic. Think rich chocolate layers, cherry pie filling, cookie-enhanced chocolate flavor, and a cream cheese frosting that feels like a hug from Grandma. This chocolate cherry layer cake is Pinterest’s favorite layered dessert for a reason—it’s simple, stunning, and secretly starts with a boxed mix.

Save this simple German chocolate cherry cake for your next celebration, birthday, or “just because chocolate is calling” moment. Pin this for later—this cake gets even better the next day.

This recipe was originally published September 2, 2014, and updated April 22, 2026, with improved instructions, stronger SEO structure, and refreshed image optimization.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Black Forest Cake Recipe

This isn’t just any Black Forest cake with cherry pie filling—it’s the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their slice.

• Easy to make: Starts with a boxed mix but tastes bakery-level
• Rich chocolate flavor: Boosted with cookie “dust” for texture and depth
• Perfect balance: Sweet cherries + tangy cream cheese frosting
• Show-stopping presentation: Basket weave, cookies, and whimsical décor
• Customizable: Keep it rustic or dress it up for a themed celebration

If you love approachable desserts like my banana bread recipe or crave chocolate like in my chocolate frosting, this cake fits right into your dessert rotation.

Ingredients for Little Red’s Black Forest Cake

For the Cake

• Favorite chocolate boxed cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 box Bahlsen Milk Chocolate Waffeletten Cookies

For the Filling

• Cream cheese frosting or my favorite Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 4 Tbsp cookie dust (reserved)

For Decoration

• Chocolate frosting or homemade Chocolate Frosting
• Bahlsen Waffeletten cookies
• Optional themed décor including cupcakes, fondant, and banana bread accents

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

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Pulse the cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Reserve 4 tablespoons for the filling.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in the cookie crumbs, keeping the reserved 4 tablespoons aside.
5. Beat the batter on high for 1 minute to incorporate air and help create a tender crumb.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Gently tap the pans on the counter to release air bubbles.
7. Bake according to package directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread cream cheese frosting over the top.
10. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the frosting and sprinkle with the reserved cookie crumbs.
11. Top with the second cake layer and apply a light crumb coat. Chill until the frosting is set.
12. Finish frosting and decorate as desired for a whimsical Little Red Riding Hood presentation or a simpler classic finish.

Expert Tips for the Best Black Forest Cake

These little tricks make a big difference.

• Don’t skip the crumb coat: It locks in crumbs for a clean finish.
• Use quality cherry filling: The flavor payoff is huge.
• Chill between steps: Helps stabilize layers for decorating.
• Tap pans before baking: Removes air bubbles for even texture.

Want to level up your frosting game? Try my crumb coat cake tutorial or master piping with the basket weave frosting guide.

Variations & Creative Ideas

Make it your own—Little Red would approve.

• Classic version: Swap cream cheese frosting for whipped cream.
• Boozy twist: Add cherry liqueur to the filling.
• Mini cakes: Turn into cupcakes or individual desserts.
• Shortcut version: Skip the themed décor and keep it rustic and charming.

If you love decorating, my gingham fondant tutorial adds adorable cottage-core vibes.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is a showstopper—here’s how to serve it like one.

• Serve chilled for clean, dramatic slices
• Pair with coffee or espresso
• Top with fresh cherries or chocolate curls
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence

FAQs About Black Forest Cake

What is the difference between Black Forest cake and chocolate cake?

A chocolate cake is simply chocolate cake. A Black Forest cake includes cherries, whipped or cream cheese frosting, and traditionally kirsch, giving it its signature flavor profile.

Can you make Black Forest cake without alcohol?

Absolutely. This recipe is alcohol-free and family-friendly.

Can I use canned cherries?

Yes—cherry pie filling keeps this recipe easy and consistent.

Do I have to use cookie crumbs?

No, but they add texture and a unique chocolate boost.

How do I store this cake?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More Desserts You’ll Love

• Learn how to frost like a pro with this fill cake tutorial
• Master smooth finishes using the crumb coat cake tutorial
• Add texture with this basket weave frosting guide
• Create decorative accents with gingham fondant
• Try a cozy loaf like my banana bread recipe

Final Thoughts

This easy Black Forest cake recipe proves you don’t need complicated steps to create something unforgettable. With rich chocolate layers, sweet cherry filling, and endless decorating possibilities, this chocolate cherry layer cake is the kind of dessert that steals the show at any gathering.

Whether you go full Little Red Riding Hood with themed décor or keep it simple and elegant, this cake is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your dessert table. Save it, pin it, bake it—and enjoy every cherry-chocolate bite.

Continue to Content

Little Red's Black Forest Cake Recipe

Yield: 24 servings

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

This easy Black Forest cake recipe is a simple chocolate cherry layer cake made with chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, cream cheese frosting, and Bahlsen Waffeletten cookies. It’s an easy dessert for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations, with a whimsical Little Red Riding Hood decorating option or a simpler classic finish.

Print

Ingredients

For the Cake

Toggle ingredient group

• 1 favorite chocolate boxed cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 box Bahlsen Milk Chocolate Waffeletten Cookies

For the Filling

Toggle ingredient group

• 1 container cream cheese frosting
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 4 tablespoons cookie crumbs, reserved from processed cookies

For Decoration

Toggle ingredient group

• 1 container chocolate frosting
• Additional Bahlsen Waffeletten cookies
• Optional themed décor including cupcakes, fondant, and banana bread accents

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch cake pans.
   
2. Place the Bahlsen Milk Chocolate Waffeletten cookies in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Reserve 4 tablespoons of the cookie crumbs for the filling.
   
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
   
4. Fold the cookie crumbs into the batter, leaving out the reserved 4 tablespoons.
   
5. Beat the batter on high for 1 minute to add air and help create a tender cake crumb.
   
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Gently tap the pans on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
   
7. Bake according to the cake mix package directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   
8. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
   
9. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
   
10. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the frosting, then sprinkle with the reserved cookie crumbs.
    
11. Place the second cake layer on top. Apply a light crumb coat and chill until set.
    
12. Frost the outside of the cake with chocolate frosting and decorate as desired. For a whimsical finish, add cookie accents and themed decorations, or keep it simple for a more classic Black Forest cake look.
    
13. Slice and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

Notes

Recipe Tips

• Reserve some cookie crumbs for the filling so every bite has extra chocolate texture.
  
• Chilling the cake after the crumb coat helps keep the final frosting neat and polished.
  
• For cleaner slices, refrigerate the cake before serving.
  
• This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to settle.
  

More Recipe Ideas
If you want to customize this cake, try using my homemade Chocolate Frosting for the outer layer or swap in my favorite Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe for the filling. If you want help assembling and decorating, my fill cake tutorial, crumb coat cake tutorial, and basket weave frosting guide make the process easier. For extra themed flair, you can add details using gingham fondant, or serve it with a cozy side like my banana bread recipe or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 79Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 25mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 1g

The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

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