Luscious layers of moist chocolate cake, tangy-sweet cherries, and a creamy cheesecake center make this Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake an absolute showstopper. Imagine a celebratory dessert where every bite delivers a swirl of chocolate, fruit, and silky richness—looking fancy enough for your most special occasions, but totally achievable at home. Whether for a holiday, birthday, or just a well-deserved treat, this cake brings together classic flavors with a twist, sure to wow your tastebuds and guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake comes from simple, approachable ingredients, each handpicking its role in taste and texture. Here’s the inside scoop on what you need and why it matters for building layers you’ll fall in love with.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure and tender crumb for the chocolate cake layers.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color to the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and the creamy cheesecake layer, balancing every bite.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Leaveners that give your cake height and the perfect soft texture.
- Salt: A pinch brings all the other flavors to life, intensifying the chocolate and cherry notes.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and create richness, moisture, and structure in both cake and cheesecake.
- Buttermilk: Adds a gentle tang and keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb—no dry cake here!
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors, both in the cake and the cheesecake layer.
- Hot water: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes the batter silky smooth.
- Canned cherry pie filling: Classic, super-convenient, and provides bursts of tart-sweet fruitiness between layers.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the cheesecake layer, lending a luscious creamy texture and mild tang.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream frosting for that perfect fluffy finish.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips into a light, dreamy frosting that brings everything together.
- Chocolate shavings or curls: For a hotel-patisserie finish and an extra chocolate punch.
- Additional cherries (optional): Dots of juicy color and flavor for the ultimate Black Forest look.
How to Make Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper—this is your insurance policy for a neat, easy unlatching. Beat together your softened cream cheese and sugar until you’ve got a cloudlike, smooth mixture, then add in eggs individually, finishing with a little vanilla extract. Pour this dreamy mixture into your pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center sets with just a slight wobble. Let it cool to room temperature, then chill thoroughly (an hour or more in the fridge is divine). This layer makes the Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake truly unforgettable!
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Layers
Increase the oven to 350°F (177°C) and ready two 9-inch cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, sugar, leaveners, and salt until well combined. Beat in eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until just smooth (no over-mixing!). Finally, stir in the hot water—your batter will be thin, but that’s the secret to its ultra-moist texture. Divide evenly between the pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick emerges mostly clean. Let the layers cool fully before assembly; patience is key!
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Now the fun part: assembly! Place one chocolate cake layer on your serving platter, then spoon a generous spread of cherry pie filling over the top. Gently nestle the chilled cheesecake layer on top, using an offset spatula if you like. Layer on more cherries, smoothing them evenly. Top with your second cake layer—deep breath, you’re nearly there! Spread a luscious cloud of freshly whipped cream frosting all over the cake, covering top and sides as smoothly as possible.
Step 4: Decorate and Chill
To finish your Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake, crown it with chocolate shavings or curls, and a scattering of extra cherries if you’re feeling fancy. Don’t skip the chilling step: tuck the cake in the fridge for at least two hours before slicing. This makes it easier to cut clean, impressive slices and intensifies the flavors.
How to Serve Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake
Garnishes
This stunning cake truly shines with the right finishing touches. I love to pile on extra chocolate curls and glossy whole cherries on top for an iconic look. A dusting of cocoa powder around the edge is also lovely. If you want to be extra, pipe a few decorative rosettes of whipped cream along the border—the more drama for your Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake, the better!
Side Dishes
A rich dessert like this doesn’t need much alongside, but a few thoughtful pairings can make it feel like a feast. Serve with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a shot of kirsch for an authentic German vibe. For something lighter, a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries offsets the cake’s richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra wow-factor, assemble as a tall layer cake on a pedestal stand and slice at the table. For parties, you can also cut the Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake into neat squares and serve on a platter for easy finger food. Mini versions are adorable—use a muffin tin and layer just as you would the full-sized cake for perfect party-ready treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll taste just as dreamy for up to 4 days, as the flavors have even more time to meld. The cake stays moist, and the whipped cream keeps everything luscious.
Freezing
If you want to make the whole cake in advance, freeze individual slices (or even the entire cake) wrapped well and placed in an airtight container. The whipped cream frosting freezes surprisingly well, and the cherry filling maintains its vibrant flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw slices overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
This luscious cake is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. To freshen up the whipped cream topping after sitting in the fridge, simply beat a bit more whipped cream and spread it over the top.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry compote instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade compote brings an extra-bright cherry flavor to your Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake. Just let it cool completely before spreading on the layers to avoid melting the cream or cake.
How do I avoid the cheesecake layer from cracking?
Make sure not to overbake the cheesecake, and let it cool slowly to room temperature before chilling. If cracks do appear, don’t stress—they’ll be hidden between the cake layers!
Can I make this as a gluten-free cake?
You can swap in a trusted 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for the all-purpose flour. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free and proceed as directed for a fabulous gluten-free Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake.
How do I get clean slices when serving?
Chill the cake well before slicing, and use a large, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This keeps each layer defined and photo-worthy.
Can I assemble the cake the day before my event?
Yes! In fact, assembling your Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake a day ahead actually deepens the flavor and helps everything set perfectly. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s both striking to behold and unforgettable to eat, Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake is the answer. Give it a try, invite loved ones to share, and get ready to bask in rave reviews at your next gathering!
Print
Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake. Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, cherry filling, and whipped cream frosting come together for a show-stopping treat.
Ingredients
For the chocolate cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the cherry filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the whipped cream frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For assembly:
- 1 cup chocolate shavings or curls
- additional cherries for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a springform pan. Make the cheesecake layer by beating cream cheese and sugar, adding eggs and vanilla, then bake and chill.
- Prepare cake: Increase oven to 350°F (177°C), prepare cake pans, mix dry ingredients, add wet ingredients, pour into pans, and bake. Cool.
- Assembly: Layer cake, cherry filling, cheesecake layer, more cherry filling, second cake layer. Frost with whipped cream, decorate with chocolate shavings and cherries. Chill before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the cherry pie filling with homemade cherry compote if desired.
- For cleaner slices, freeze the cheesecake layer before assembling.
- Cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
