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Oma's Easy German Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)
by: Gerhild Fulson / Oma Gerhild shares German recipes rooted in family tradition.
Updated on December 3, 2025
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This Black Forest Cake tastes almost like the real one! Only this one's easy and quick to make.My German Black Forest Cherry Cake tastes almost like the traditional one! Only this one's really, really easy and super quick to make. It's what you serve when you want German food without the fuss!
It still has chocolate cake, cherries, and real whipped cream, but it uses a cake mix, some pie filling, and freshly whipped cream. If you really want to make it from scratch ... check for a link to that recipe below.
Easiest Black Forest Cake Tips
- I usually bake this quick cake in round layers or for a large group, I'll make a 9-13-inch pan and cut it in 2 layers.
- If the cake bakes up high enough, I cut it into 4 layers. Put cherry filling on bottom layer and whipped cream on the next layer.
- For decorating, you can leave the sides just white with the whipped cream, use chocolate sprinkles or shavings, or use sliced almonds, like I did in the top photo. Delicious!
German Black Forest Cake topped with maraschino cherries (as done in the USA)Adding Maraschino cherries on top of this Black Forest Cake above makes this an Americanized version. It's like the ones you'll find for sale throughout the States and Canada.
A 'real' German cake would only use real cherries, usually sour ones.
Want a Traditional German Black Forest Cake Recipe Made From Scratch?
I know there are Black Forest Cherry Torte, aka Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, purists who wouldn't think of using a mix and a can to make this wonderfully traditional German cake.
For them, there's only one way to make it, and that's from scratch:
If that's you, and you're looking for a traditional "from scratch" recipe, have a look at this Black Forest Cherry Cake. It's really not that difficult to make, and it tastes divine!
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Oma's Fun Fact
I've seen a fancy restaurant, where behind the scenes, they take a mister filled with cherry brandy (Kirschwasser) and mist the pieces of Black Forest Torte, just before they were served.
That would be a fun 'method' to bring the traditional 'fragrance' to a dessert table.
BUT, if you're OK with quick AND delicious, then it's this Black Forest Cake here! Try it. You'll like it! (You could still use the Kirschwasser-filled mister on this!)
Black Forest Cake FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of jarred or canned?
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of jarred or canned?
A: Yes! Fresh cherries work well, especially if they’re in season. However, traditional Black Forest Cake uses jarred sour cherries because they provide a slightly tart contrast to the sweet chocolate cake. If using fresh cherries, you may need to adjust the sweetness in the cherry filling.
Q: What can I use instead of kirsch?
Q: What can I use instead of kirsch?
A: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace kirsch with cherry juice, the reserved syrup from jarred cherries, or a mix of cherry juice and a splash of lemon juice for added tartness.
Q: How should I store Black Forest Cake?
Q: How should I store Black Forest Cake?
A: Due to the whipped cream frosting, this cake must be stored in the refrigerator. Keep it covered and enjoy it within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.
Q: Can I make parts of the cake ahead of time?
Q: Can I make parts of the cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance and store them wrapped in plastic at room temperature. The cherry filling can also be made ahead and kept in the fridge. Assemble and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest results.
Q: What’s the best way to make chocolate shavings for decoration?
Q: What’s the best way to make chocolate shavings for decoration?
A: The easiest way is to use a vegetable peeler on a block of semi-sweet or dark chocolate. For larger curls, slightly soften the chocolate bar in a warm place before shaving.
Ready to Bake This easy Black Forest Cake?
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!
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Bake Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Servings:
Makes 8-10 slices
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:
- 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.
- Whip the cream with Whip It according to the package instructions, adding the sugar once peaks start forming.
- Place a cake layer onto a serving plate. Set aside two thirds of the whipped cream for the top and sides of the cake.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the third cake layer. Press down slightly until level.
- 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.
- 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.
* * * * *
Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com
Updated on December 3, 2025
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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.
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