The Black Forest Cake Recipe: Perfect for Desserts and Birthday Cake

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Have you ever tasted a slice of rich, chocolate cake with sweet cherries and cream that makes your taste buds dance? The black forest cake recipe is a perfect dessert for special occasions that will impress your family and friends. This classic cake combines layers of chocolate sponge cake with whipped cream and cherries to create a beautiful and delicious treat that many people around the world enjoy.

The black forest cake recipe comes from Germany, where it is called "Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte." This name comes from the Black Forest region in Germany, famous for its sour cherries and cherry liquor called Kirschwasser. The traditional black forest cake recipe includes these special cherries and liquor, but many modern versions use regular cherries and skip the alcohol. The cake became popular in the 1930s and has since become one of the most loved cakes worldwide.

In this article, we will share the easy black forest cake recipe to help you make this classic, classy, and tasty chocolate cake at home. We also have some extra tips and tricks to help you get the best result. We gathered the recipe and tips from various sources, Monday (16/2/2026).

This black forest cake recipe is easy to follow. It includes soft chocolate sponge cake, cherry filling, and fresh whipped cream.

Ingredients:

For the chocolate sponge cake:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 4 large eggs

- 1 cup white sugar

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cherry filling:

- 1 can of pitted cherries (or fresh cherries)

- 1/2 cup cherry juice (from the can or cherry syrup)

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the whipped cream:

- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)

- 1/3 cup powdered sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For decoration:

- Chocolate shavings

- Extra cherries

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cake pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans (8 or 9 inches) and line them with parchment paper.

2. Make the cake batter: In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until smooth.

3. Bake the cakes: Pour the batter evenly into the two pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then remove them and let them cool completely.

4. Make the cherry filling: In a saucepan, mix the cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook on medium heat until the mixture becomes thick. Add the cherries and cook for 2–3 more minutes. Let it cool.

5. Make the whipped cream: In a cold mixing bowl, add the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. This means the cream should hold its shape when you lift the whisk.

6. Assemble the cake: Cut each cake layer into two thin layers (optional for four layers). Place one layer on a plate. Spread some cherry filling and then a layer of whipped cream. Add another cake layer on top and repeat the process. Finish with whipped cream on top and all around the cake.

7. Decorate the cake: Add chocolate shavings on top and sides. Put extra cherries on top for a beautiful finish. Chill the cake in the fridge for 2–3 hours before serving.

This part gives you smart and helpful ideas to make your black forest cake recipe even better.

1. Cool the cake completely before decorating: If the cake is still warm, the whipped cream will melt. Always let it cool before you start adding cream and cherries.

2. Use a serrated knife to cut layers: A serrated knife (like a bread knife) helps cut the cake without breaking it. It makes the layers even and clean.

3. Chill the mixing bowl for whipped cream: Cold tools help make the whipped cream fluffy and firm. You can put the bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping.

4. Make extra cherry filling for more flavor: If you like more cherry taste, you can double the cherry filling recipe. Add a little more between the layers for a juicy bite.

5. Use a cake turntable if possible: A turntable helps you frost the cake evenly. It also makes decorating easier and faster.

6. Use a piping bag for clean whipped cream designs: If you want the cake to look nice, use a piping bag to make rosettes or swirls with the whipped cream.

7. Let the cake rest in the fridge before serving: This helps the flavors mix together. The whipped cream sets better, and the cake tastes moist and rich.