Black Forest Sheet Cake

Dessert

Aug 25

Try this delicious and crowd-pleasing dessert made with fresh cherries, chocolate cake, whipped cream, and a rich cherry filling. It's perfect for summer when cherries are in season and more low-maintenance than the traditional layer cake version!

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Sheet Cake)

Servings: 12–16

Prep time: 45 minutes

Bake time: 30–35 minutes

Chill time: 1–2 hours

Print the Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee
For the Fresh Cherry Filling:
- 3 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp water
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- Optional: 1 Tbsp kirsch (cherry brandy)
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Extra fresh cherries (whole or halved)
- Dark chocolate shavings or curls

Instructions:

Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13" pan with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, coffee, and vanilla. Fold dry into wet ingredients until just combined. Batter will be thin. Pour into pan and bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a saucepan, cook cherries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for 5–7 minutes. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into cherries. Cook 1–2 minutes until thickened. Stir in kirsch (if using) and let cool completely.
Make the Whipped Cream: In a cold bowl or stand mixer, whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Do not over-whip.
Assemble the Sheet Cake: Spread cherry filling over cooled cake, followed by whipped cream. Garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.