If you’re the kind of dessert lover who craves chocolate, adores cherries, and can’t resist the creamy luxury of cheesecake, brace yourself: this Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake is the showstopping treat your sweet tooth has been dreaming about. Imagine three glorious layers – rich chocolate cake, tangy cheesecake, and luscious cherry filling, all crowned with clouds of homemade whipped cream and finished with chocolate shavings. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or simply spoiling yourself (always a good idea), this cake guarantees every forkful is indulgent, dramatic, and totally unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Despite its impressive layers, the secret behind Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake is its unfussy ingredients. Each component brings a unique flavor or texture, and together, they create pure magic. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing:
- All-purpose flour: Sets the structure for the chocolate cake, keeping it light yet sturdy enough for layering.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that deep, dreamy chocolate flavor essential to this decadent dessert.
- Baking soda & baking powder: Ensure the cake rises beautifully and stays moist.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor throughout the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and cheesecake layers, delivering just the right amount of indulgence.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a gentle caramel note to the chocolate cake layers.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to both the cake and cheesecake.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures the chocolate cake stays ultra-moist, even after chilling and layering.
- Buttermilk: Activates the leaveners, creates a tender crumb, and adds a subtle tang.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors in every layer — don’t hold back!
- Hot water or brewed coffee: Deepens the chocolate flavor; coffee lovers, this is your secret weapon.
- Cream cheese: The heart of the cheesecake layer: rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth.
- Sour cream: Lends the cheesecake a luxurious tang and extra silkiness.
- Cherry pie filling: Tart, sweet, and gloriously jammy — the cherry-on-top of this whole experience (plus extras for finishing touches, if desired).
- Heavy whipping cream: The foundation of that billowy, fresh whipped topping.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without grit.
- Chocolate shavings or curls: For ultimate Black Forest flair and a bit of texture.
- Whole cherries (optional): A classic garnish that brings instant drama and pop.
How to Make Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides to ensure your cheesecake releases easily later. Cream together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then blend in the eggs one at a time for silkiness. Add vanilla and sour cream — these elevate the flavor and give that luscious, creamy texture. Pour this dreamy batter into your pan, bake until set in the center (about 40–45 minutes), then let it cool completely. For stability during assembly, chill the cheesecake for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can wait!
Step 2: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers
Raise your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans — this guarantees smooth removal. Whisk your dry ingredients together (flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, salt) in a large bowl; this helps distribute leaveners evenly. In a separate bowl, beat together the sugars, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth. Stir the dry mix into the wet, and finally, add hot water or coffee for that signature moist crumb and intense chocolate taste. Divide the batter between pans; bake for 28–32 minutes, and let your kitchen fill with glorious chocolate aroma. Once baked, cool the cakes completely before moving on.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake Layers
Now comes the fun part! Place one cooled chocolate cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thin layer of cherry pie filling over the top: this not only adds flavor but also keeps the layers moist. Gently place your well-chilled cheesecake on top — freezing it briefly helps if you want it to hold together perfectly. Top with another thin layer of cherry filling, then carefully add the second chocolate cake layer. Each bite will have that perfect medley of chocolate, cherry, and creamy cheesecake.
Step 4: Whip Up the Whipped Topping
Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until stiff peaks form. This will take a few minutes, but don’t rush — you want your Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake crowned with the fluffiest, most stable whipped cream possible. Frost the cake generously on all sides and the top, letting swirls and swoops form naturally. This isn’t just decoration; it’s an essential part of the flavor and overall delight.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
The finishing touch: shower the cake in chocolate shavings or curls, then dot with whole cherries if you have them. It’s a showpiece worthy of any celebration. Pop your masterpiece in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing — this helps all the layers meld together beautifully and makes for neat, gorgeous cuts when serving.
How to Serve Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake
Garnishes
For the most eye-catching finish, a generous sprinkle of chocolate shavings and a ring of whole cherries on top are classic and festive. If you want to take it a step further, drizzle extra cherry pie filling on each slice just before serving, or use chocolate curls for a whimsical, bakery-worthy effect. Don’t be afraid to play — the more dramatic, the better for a Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake!
Side Dishes
Since this dessert is pretty lavish, keep sides light and fresh. A handful of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla gelato, or even a simple espresso pairs beautifully and makes each bite pop. For a holiday spread, try it alongside a champagne cocktail or cherry liqueur for an extra touch of decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider slicing the cake into mini squares for a playful, bite-sized dessert buffet. You can also serve each slice with a small dollop of extra whipped cream and a cherry on the side, or present the whole cake on a cake stand surrounded by fresh cherries and chocolate curls. However you slice it, Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake is destined to be the center of attention!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your leftovers tasting ultra-fresh, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight, so don’t feel guilty about savoring a slice for breakfast the next morning — it’ll taste just as heavenly!
Freezing
Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake freezes beautifully if you want to get ahead or save a few slices for later. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the texture at its best.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. If serving straight from the fridge, let it sit for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to fully develop and the texture to soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! If you’re lucky enough to have fresh cherries, cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until jammy. It’ll add a vibrant, homemade touch to your Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake.
What can I do if I don’t have a springform pan?
A well-lubricated and parchment-lined deep 9-inch cake pan will work, just be careful when removing the cheesecake. You might want to line with a sling of parchment paper for easier lifting.
Can I make parts of the cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cheesecake and chocolate cake layers a day or two ahead. Simply wrap and chill separately, then assemble and decorate when you’re ready. This even improves the cake’s flavor.
How do I get clean, beautiful slices?
Run a large knife under hot water, wipe dry, and slice in a straight motion (no sawing). Clean off the blade between each cut for picture-perfect slices of your Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake.
Can I use a different frosting instead of whipped cream?
Definitely! Stabilized whipped cream or a chocolate or cream cheese frosting works well, especially if you need the cake to hold up longer outdoors or in a warmer environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s for a milestone celebration or just because you deserve something fabulous, Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake is always the answer. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something extraordinary, and I can’t wait for you to try it and share a slice with someone special!
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Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake. Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, cherry filling, and whipped topping come together for a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee (for enhanced chocolate flavor)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1½ cups cherry pie filling (plus extra for topping if desired)
For the Whipped Topping:
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Whole cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream. Pour into pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until center is set. Let cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Make the Chocolate Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat sugars, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly mix in dry ingredients, then stir in hot water or coffee. Divide batter between pans and bake for 28–32 minutes. Cool completely.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of cherry pie filling over the top. Carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top. Spread another thin layer of cherry pie filling, then top with the second chocolate cake layer.
- Make the Whipped Topping: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings and whole cherries. Chill for 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- For easier assembly, freeze the cheesecake layer briefly to make it easier to lift.
- You can use stabilized whipped cream or a cream cheese frosting for a longer-lasting finish if serving outdoors.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
