Imagine a no-fuss Black Forest cake recipe that delivers all the indulgent flavors without the extra effort. The combination of chocolate, cherries and whipped topping creates a dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or just because.
This great recipe captures the essence of a Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. Layers of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and creamy topping. All in a single inch pan. This moist black forest cake is packed with chocolate flavor, rich cherry filling, and topped with a luscious whipped cream frosting.
Black Forest Cake – Easy and Delicious
Unlike a traditional Black Forest cake with multiple chocolate cake layers, this simple version is made in a 9×13 pan. The rich chocolate cake starts with a cake batter made from a Devil’s Food cake mix, and instant pudding mix.
Once baked and cooled to room temperature, a thin layer of cherry pie filling is spread over the top of the cake, adding a burst of fruity brightness.
The topping is a decadent mix of instant vanilla pudding, and whipped topping. This creates a smooth and airy topping that beautifully contrasts with the rich chocolate cake.
For the final touch, garnish with chocolate shavings, chocolate curls, or chocolate chips. Whole cherries, whether fresh cherries or maraschino cherries, complete the look. To prevent heavy syrup from staining the creamy layer, pat maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel before placing them on the cake.
Easy 9×13 Black Forest Cake Recipe – A Decadent Dessert
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 18 Ounces Devil’s Food Cake Mix 1 box
- 3.4 Ounces Instant Pudding Mix 1 box, chocolate or vanilla
- 3 Large Eggs
- ½ Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 ¼ Cups Water
- 21 Ounces Cherry Pie Filling 1 can
- 3.4 Ounces Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix 1 box
- 1 ½ Cups Milk any kind
- 8 Ounces Whipped Topping 1 container (Cool Whip or other brand)
- Maraschino Cherries or Fresh Cherries optional for garnish
- Chocolate Shavings or Chocolate Chips optional for garnish
text ingredients
Instructions
- Make the Cake. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, instant pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir until combined.18 Ounces Devil’s Food Cake Mix, 3.4 Ounces Instant Pudding Mix, 3 Large Eggs, ½ Cup Vegetable Oil, 1 ¼ Cups Water
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, spread a layer of cherry pie filling over the top of the cake.21 Ounces Cherry Pie Filling
- In a small bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened.3.4 Ounces Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix, 1 ½ Cups Milk
- Fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture.8 Ounces Whipped Topping
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the cherry layer.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, chocolate chips, and maraschino cherries.Chocolate Shavings or Chocolate Chips, Maraschino Cherries or Fresh Cherries
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Recipe Variations
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, a pastry brush can be used to apply cherry syrup or cherry liqueur to the cake before adding the filling.
Try using sour cherries or Morello cherries for a tart contrast.
Add a hint of espresso powder, or cocoa powder to the cake mix to enhance the rich chocolate cake flavor.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the top of the cake with plastic wrap before sealing the container to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
Freezing
To freeze the cake for longer storage, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of parchment paper, and place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
If freezing the fully assembled cake, first freeze it uncovered for 1-2 hours until the whipped cream frosting is firm. Then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
To serve, thaw before serving. For the best presentation, add fresh chocolate shavings and whole cherries just before serving.
Whether you’re making this for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this delicious cake recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy the flavors of a traditional cake without the extra work. Enjoy!
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.
My family loved this!