Easy Black Forest Cake Recipe with Chocolate and Cherries

This easy Black Forest cake recipe is a chocolate-cherry fairytale dessert made with rich chocolate cake layers, sweet cherry filling, cookie crumbs, and creamy frosting. It looks like a birthday showstopper, tastes like a bakery-style layer cake, and still keeps the process doable thanks to a boxed cake mix shortcut.

Classic Black Forest cake usually features chocolate cake, cherries, whipped cream, and sometimes kirsch. This version keeps the chocolate-cherry magic but makes it family-friendly, approachable, and perfect for birthdays, themed parties, dessert tables, holidays, and “because chocolate and cherries called my name” baking moments.

Think of it as Little Red’s chocolate-cherry cake: rich, whimsical, dramatic, and just a little storybook. Even the Big Bad Wolf would behave for a slice.

This recipe was originally published September 2, 2014, and updated with clearer step-by-step instructions, stronger cake decorating tips, birthday celebration ideas, improved image details, FAQs, and a customized birthday category loop.

What Is Black Forest Cake?

Black Forest cake is a chocolate cherry layer cake inspired by the classic German dessert known for chocolate cake, cherries, cream, and a beautiful layered presentation. Traditional versions often use whipped cream and kirsch, a cherry brandy, but this easy version skips the alcohol and leans into rich chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, chocolate cookie crumbs, and creamy frosting.

The result is a family-friendly Black Forest cake with cherry filling that feels special enough for a birthday but simple enough for home bakers who do not want a fussy, all-day cake project.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Black Forest Cake Recipe

This is not just any chocolate cherry cake. It is a layered dessert with shortcut ease, dramatic flavor, and enough decorating personality to earn its place at the center of the party table.

• Shortcut-friendly: It starts with a boxed chocolate cake mix but tastes dressed up and bakery-inspired.
• Big chocolate flavor: Chocolate wafer cookie crumbs add texture and deepen the chocolate notes.
• Cherry-filled center: Cherry pie filling makes the middle layer sweet, glossy, and classic.
• Birthday-ready: The finished cake looks gorgeous on a celebration table.
• Family-friendly: This recipe is alcohol-free.
• Customizable: Keep it simple, add chocolate ganache, pipe basket weave frosting, or lean into the Little Red Riding Hood theme.
• Great make-ahead dessert: The flavors get even better after chilling.

If you are building a birthday dessert table, this cake pairs beautifully with Perfect Sugar Cookies, Microwave Confetti Fudge, or a fun party drink like Sparkling Orange Beverage Recipe.

Ingredients for Easy Black Forest Cake

For the Chocolate Cake Layers

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 box Bahlsen Milk Chocolate Waffeletten Cookies or similar chocolate wafer cookies

For the Cherry Filling

• 1 can cherry pie filling
• Cream cheese frosting, homemade or store-bought
• 4 tablespoons reserved chocolate cookie crumbs

For Decorating

• Chocolate frosting, homemade or store-bought
• Chocolate wafer cookies
• Optional fresh cherries
• Optional chocolate curls
• Optional chocolate ganache
• Optional themed decorations such as cupcake apples, gingham fondant, or Little Red Riding Hood details

For homemade frosting, use Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe for the filling and Chocolate Frosting Recipe for the outside. If you want a glossy chocolate finish, add Silky Chocolate Ganache.

How to Make Black Forest Cake Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This helps the cake layers release cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Crumbs

Place the chocolate wafer cookies in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Reserve 4 tablespoons of the crumbs for the filling, then set the remaining crumbs aside for the cake batter.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth. Fold in the chocolate cookie crumbs, keeping the reserved 4 tablespoons aside for later.

Step 4: Beat and Divide the Batter

Beat the batter on high for 1 minute to help create a tender texture. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and gently tap the pans on the counter to release large air bubbles.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Bake according to the cake mix package directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Do not frost warm cake layers, or the filling and frosting may slide.

Step 7: Fill the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Spoon cherry pie filling over the frosting, then sprinkle with the reserved cookie crumbs.

If you are new to layer cakes, this Fill Cake Tutorial walks you through the process of adding filling neatly.

Step 8: Add the Top Layer and Crumb Coat

Place the second cake layer on top. Apply a thin crumb coat to trap loose crumbs, then chill the cake until the frosting is set. A crumb coat makes the final frosting layer cleaner and smoother.

Need help with this step? Use this Crumb Coat Cake Tutorial for a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Frost the outside of the cake with chocolate frosting. Decorate with chocolate wafer cookies, chocolate curls, fresh cherries, piped frosting, or a glossy ganache drip. For the Little Red Riding Hood version, add cupcake apples, gingham fondant, and basket weave frosting.

Cake Decorating Tips for Black Forest Cake

This easy chocolate cherry cake can be rustic, elegant, or full fairytale. Choose the decorating level that fits your time, skill, and party theme.

Simple Decorating Ideas

• Top with cherry pie filling and chocolate curls.
• Add whipped cream or frosting swirls around the edge.
• Place fresh cherries on top.
• Dust with cocoa powder.
• Add chocolate wafer cookies around the sides.
• Finish with a drizzle of chocolate ganache.

Birthday Cake Decorating Ideas

• Add gold candles or a birthday topper.
• Use a chocolate ganache drip for drama.
• Pipe frosting rosettes around the top.
• Decorate with chocolate-dipped cherries.
• Add themed decorations for a storybook birthday party.

For a textured finish, try the Basket Weave Frosting guide. For whimsical party accents, add Cupcake Apples Tutorial or Gingham Fondant.

Expert Tips for the Best Black Forest Cake

• Cool the layers completely. Warm cake can melt the frosting and make the layers slide.
• Do not skip the crumb coat. It locks crumbs in place and gives the cake a cleaner final finish.
• Use good cherry filling. Since cherries are a major flavor, quality matters.
• Reserve cookie crumbs for the filling. That little layer adds extra chocolate texture.
• Chill before decorating. A cold cake is easier to frost and decorate.
• Use a cake board. It makes moving and serving the layer cake easier.
• Serve chilled for cleaner slices. The layers hold together better when the cake is cold.

Variations and Creative Ideas

Classic Black Forest Cake Shortcut

Use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting and top the cake with cherries and chocolate curls.

Chocolate Ganache Black Forest Cake

Pour Silky Chocolate Ganache over the top for a glossy drip cake finish.

Birthday Black Forest Cake

Add candles, sprinkles, a birthday topper, and chocolate-covered cherries to turn this into a party-ready cake.

Black Forest Cupcakes

Bake the batter as cupcakes, fill with cherry pie filling, and top with frosting for individual party treats.

Little Red Riding Hood Cake

Decorate with cupcake apples, gingham fondant, a basket weave design, and whimsical forest details for a fairytale birthday dessert.

Black Forest Trifle

Layer cubes of chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, frosting or whipped cream, and cookie crumbs in a trifle dish for an easier serving option.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is rich, dramatic, and perfect for celebration tables. Serve it chilled for clean slices and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting if you prefer a softer frosting texture.

• Serve with coffee or espresso.
• Add fresh cherries on top.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream.
• Serve with sparkling orange beverage for a birthday table.
• Add chocolate curls for a bakery-style look.
• Use small slices because this cake is rich.

How to Store Black Forest Cake

Store this cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it includes frosting and cherry filling, refrigeration helps keep the layers stable and fresh.

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days.
• Serving: Let the cake sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing if you want a softer texture.
• Make ahead: Bake the cake layers one day ahead, then fill and frost the next day.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw before filling and decorating.

Make This Cake for Birthdays and Celebrations

Black Forest cake is a natural birthday dessert because it looks dramatic, slices beautifully, and gives guests that classic chocolate-cherry combination. It is especially lovely for woodland themes, fairytale parties, Little Red Riding Hood birthdays, Valentine’s Day desserts, Christmas dessert tables, and grown-up celebrations.

If you are planning a larger party menu, pair this cake with easy party favorites like 6 Layer Dip Recipe, Filipino Lumpia Recipe, and Raspberry Lemonade Recipe.

Black Forest Cake FAQs

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

Chocolate cake is simply a chocolate-flavored cake. Black Forest cake includes chocolate cake layers with cherries and cream or frosting, giving it a signature chocolate-cherry flavor.

Can you make Black Forest cake without alcohol?

Yes. This easy Black Forest cake recipe is alcohol-free and family-friendly. It uses cherry pie filling instead of kirsch.

Can I use cherry pie filling for Black Forest cake?

Yes. Cherry pie filling is a convenient shortcut that makes the cake easy, consistent, and full of cherry flavor.

Do I have to use chocolate wafer cookie crumbs?

No, but the cookie crumbs add texture and deepen the chocolate flavor. You can skip them if needed or use another crisp chocolate cookie.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and assemble the cake the next day. The finished cake also chills well, making it a good make-ahead dessert for birthdays and parties.

How do I keep the cake layers from sliding?

Cool the cake layers completely, avoid overfilling the center, apply a crumb coat, and chill the cake before finishing the final frosting layer.

Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting?

Yes. Whipped cream gives the cake a more traditional Black Forest flavor, while cream cheese frosting gives it a richer, tangier finish.

How should I decorate a Black Forest birthday cake?

Top it with cherries, chocolate curls, frosting swirls, wafer cookies, chocolate ganache, or a birthday topper. For a themed party, use cupcake apples, gingham fondant, or basket weave frosting.

How long does Black Forest cake last?

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?

Yes. Bake the chocolate batter as cupcakes, core the centers, fill with cherry pie filling, and top with frosting and cookie crumbs.

Final Thoughts

This easy Black Forest cake recipe proves that a shortcut dessert can still feel magical. With rich chocolate layers, sweet cherry filling, cookie crunch, creamy frosting, and plenty of decorating options, it is the kind of cake that steals the show at birthdays and celebrations.

Keep it simple with cherries and chocolate curls, dress it up with ganache, or go full Little Red Riding Hood with basket weave frosting, cupcake apples, and gingham fondant. However you decorate it, every slice delivers that irresistible chocolate-cherry combination.

Save this easy Black Forest cake recipe for birthday cakes, chocolate cherry desserts, themed parties, celebration tables, and fairytale-worthy baking moments.

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.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest