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Easy German Black Forest Cherry Cake – Oma's Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte

My "easy" German Black Forest cake is quick, easy, and delicious! Made with cake mix, pie filling, and fresh cream, it’s a fuss-free way to enjoy this classic—don’t forget the cherry brandy!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce / 454 gram) box chocolate cake mix
• eggs and oil/butter according to cake mix
• ½ - 1 teaspoon (3 - 5 milliliters) almond extract (optional)
• 1 (21 ounce / 540 milliliter) can cherry pie filling
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) heavy (whipping) cream
• 3 packages Dr. Oetker Sahnesteif (WhipIt) or 3 tablespoons powdered sugar 
• 3 tablespoons (39 grams) granulated sugar, to taste
• chocolate sprinkles to decorate

Instructions:

1. Make and bake the cake mix (adding almond extract, if using) according to the instructions on box, using three 8-inch round cake pans. Let cool completely.
2. Whip the cream with Whip It according to the package instructions, adding the sugar once peaks start forming.
3. Place a cake layer onto a serving plate. Set aside two thirds of the whipped cream for the top and sides of the cake.
4. With the remaining cream, pipe a row of whipped cream along the top edge of the layer. Spread a third of the pie filling within the cream circle.
5. Add the second cake layer. Repeat piping with whipped cream and fill with third of the cherries. Spread any remaining whipped cream over the cherries.
6. Add the third cake layer. Press down slightly until level.
7. Put some of the reserved whipped cream into a pastry bag with a fluted tip. Cover the top and sides of the cake with remaining whipped cream. Pipe rosettes on top of cake. Decorate with remaining cherries. Pat the chocolate sprinkles around the sides of the cake.
8. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve

Notes/Hints:

• To get a more traditional flavor and fragrance: Sprinkle cherry brandy (Kirschwasser) over the cake layers after they are baked. As well, add about 1 tbsp of cherry brandy to the whipped cream.
• Add ½ - 1 teaspoon almond extract to cake mix.
• Sprinkle chocolate shavings or sprinkles on top of the whipped cream as shown on cake at top.
• Put some sour cherries on top for a traditional topping. Use fresh or jarred. 
• Add some whipped cream to a pastry bag with fluted tip or a plastic baggie with one corner cut off to decorate the top. Then your cake will look like a more traditional German Black Forest Cake.
• If at all possible, use Dr. Oetker Sahnesteif to stabilize the heavy cream. This will hold the whipped cream longer than using powdered sugar.

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Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

Updated on December 3, 2025