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Easy German Black Forest Cherry Cake – Oma's Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte
by: Gerhild Fulson / Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!
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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!
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!
Grab your copy of Oma's favorites in her Special Occasion German Cakes & Tortes e-Cookbook.
Take a peek at all Oma's eCookbooks. They make sharing your German heritage a delicious adventure!
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
What ingredients are used in a Black Forest Cake?
What ingredients are used in a Black Forest Cake?
The main ingredients in a Black Forest Cake are chocolate cake, cherries, whipped cream, and Kirsch (cherry schnapps, aka Kirschwasser).
The layers of my cake are dry and dense.
The layers of my cake are dry and dense.
Make sure you do not overmix the batter as it can result in a dense cake. Also, sprinkle your cake layers in cherry syrup, juice, or a bit of Kirschwasser to keep them moist.
My cake isn't soaking up enough cherry juice or Kirschwasser.
My cake isn't soaking up enough cherry juice or Kirschwasser.
Poke holes into your cake layers with a skewer or fork before drizzling them with cherry juice or Kirschwasser. This will help the liquid penetrate deeper.
What is the right amount of Kirsch (cherry schnapps) to use?
What is the right amount of Kirsch (cherry schnapps) to use?
The amount of Kirsch can vary depending on your liking. I use 3 tablespoons, but you can use up to a half cup if you prefer.
My whipped cream isn't getting very fluffy.
My whipped cream isn't getting very fluffy.
Make sure the cream is cold, and also chill the bowl and beaters before whipping. Beat just until stiff peaks form to avoid over-beating which can make the cream grainy.
Can I make a Black Forest Cake without alcohol?
Can I make a Black Forest Cake without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute cherry juice or a non-alcoholic cherry flavoring for the Kirsch
My cake sank in the middle.
My cake sank in the middle.
There could be several reasons like the oven temperature being too high, or the cake being under-baked. Follow the recipe details closely for temperature and timing instructions.
How do I store Black Forest cake and maintain its freshness?
How do I store Black Forest cake and maintain its freshness?
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator. The cake should stay fresh for 2 to 3 days.
Ready to bake this easy Black Forest Cake?
Easy German Black Forest Cherry Cake – Oma's Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte
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. Oh, and do add the cherry brandy! Check out the hints below before baking!
Prep Time
30 minutes |
Bake Time
package instructions |
Total Timearound 1.5 hour |
Servings:
Makes 8 - 10 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- eggs and oil/butter according to cake mix
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 3 cups heavy (whipping) cream
- 3 packages Dr. Oetker Sahnesteif (WhipIt) or 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Make and bake cake mix according to instructions on box, using 3 8-inch round cake pans. Let cool completely.
- Whip cream with Dr. Oetker Sahnesteif according to package instructions. If you are using powdered sugar, add to heavy cream and whip until stiff.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Cover with pie filling, saving some to decorate the top. Place next layer on top. Cover with about a third of the whipped cream.
- Gently place top cake layer on top of whipped cream. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides.
- To decorate the top, spoon on the remaining pie filling.
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
11.07.2021 revision update
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Oma's Easiest German Black Forest Cherry Cake
By Oma Gerhild Fulson
Easiest German Black Forest Cherry Cake you'll ever make. Either make from scratch or use this easy, easy recipe instead. Chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream! LECKER SCHMECKER!
Ingredients: chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, heavy (whipping) cream, Whip It or powdered sugar,
For the full recipe, scroll up ...
Make every day a day of BOLDNESS!
"Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold."
2 Corinthians 3 :12 (NLT)
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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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