Simple Black Forest Cake

Name: Simple Black Forest Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk); ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter); 2 cups whipped cream (freshly whipped); 1 cup sour cherries (jarred or fresh)

Published: November 6, 2025

by Sarah Conley

Why You'll Love This Simple Black Forest Cake

This incredible Simple Black Forest Cake transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Simple Black Forest Cake:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake; choose unbleached flour for the best texture.
Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential; adjust according to your taste.
Baking Powder: Ensure your cake rises perfectly; fresh baking powder yields the best results.
Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and enhances flavors beautifully.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness to our batter; consider using buttermilk for extra moisture.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps our cake moist and tender; you can substitute with melted butter if desired.
Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped is best; it provides that light, airy texture we love!
Sour Cherries: Use jarred sour cherries for authenticity or fresh if available; they add that signature tartness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Simple Black Forest Cake:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with nonstick spray or butter and dust them lightly with flour to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix forms the heart of our cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until well combined. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just blended—don’t overmix unless you want a chewy cake instead of tender layers!

Step 4: Divide and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into both prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for about five minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cool, slice each layer in half horizontally if desired for more layers. Place one layer on your serving plate and spread whipped cream generously over it. Layer with some sour cherries before adding another layer on top.

Step 6: Final Touches

Repeat the process until all layers are stacked high! Top with more whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings or additional cherries as desired.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

This Simple Black Forest Cake is not just about looking good—it’s about tasting divine! Perfecting each element ensures that when you slice into it at your next gathering or cozy evening at home, everyone will be begging for seconds (and maybe thirds). So grab those ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightfully decadent dessert!

You Must Know About Simple Black Forest Cake

This showstopping Simple Black Forest Cake delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

To create your Simple Black Forest Cake like a pro, start by baking the chocolate layers first. While they cool, whip the cream and prepare the cherries. Layer it all together in a rhythm that feels like a dance, ensuring each bite is as delightful as the last.

Flavor Your Way

Make this Simple Black Forest Cake your own by experimenting with different chocolate types—dark, milk, or even white chocolate! Add a splash of rum or cherry liqueur for an adult twist, or swap fresh cherries for other fruits like strawberries or raspberries.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Simple Black Forest Cake fresh, store it covered in the fridge for up to three days. If you’ve managed to save some for later (kudos!), revive it by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Simple Black Forest Cake

This professional-quality Simple Black Forest Cake relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Baking this cake takes me back to my childhood birthday parties when everyone would fight over the last slice of cake while I sat back pretending I didn’t see anything.

FAQs

What is Simple Black Forest Cake?

Simple Black Forest Cake is a delightful dessert that combines layers of rich chocolate cake with whipped cream and cherries. Originating from Germany, this cake is known for its decadent flavors and beautiful presentation. The traditional recipe features dark chocolate sponge cakes, which are soaked in cherry syrup, adding moisture and flavor. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with fresh cherries, this cake is perfect for celebrations or just a sweet treat at home.

How do I store Simple Black Forest Cake?

To store your Simple Black Forest Cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent the whipped cream from losing its texture. If you need to store it for more than a couple of days, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This ensures your cake retains its delicious taste.

Can I make Simple Black Forest Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Simple Black Forest Cake ahead of time! In fact, preparing it a day in advance enhances the flavors as the layers meld together. To do this, bake the chocolate cakes and allow them to cool completely before assembling the cake with whipped cream and cherries. Once assembled, refrigerate the cake overnight. Just remember to add any decorative toppings like chocolate shavings or fresh cherries right before serving for the best presentation.

What are some variations of Simple Black Forest Cake?

There are many fun variations of Simple Black Forest Cake that you can try! For instance, you can use different types of berries instead of cherries or incorporate flavored liquors such as Kirsch for added depth. Another option is to experiment with different frosting styles; adding a layer of ganache can elevate your cake further. You could also create mini versions in cupcake form for easy serving at parties. The possibilities are endless when customizing your cake!

Conclusion

In summary, Simple Black Forest Cake is a classic dessert that delights with its combination of chocolate, cream, and cherries. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a treat at home, this cake is sure to impress. With tips on storage and variations available, making your own version is simple and rewarding. Remember to savor every bite of this delicious dessert that brings joy to any gathering!

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