Small Black Forest Cake Recipe combines moist chocolate cake layers, sweet tart cherry filling, and whipped cream frosting, creating a rich, layered dessert loved by many.
I made this Small Black Forest Cake Recipe after seeing a charming preparation segment that sparked interest and encouraged me to try my own version.
I now present a clear guide that shows every stage so anyone can follow and recreate this lovely treat today.
Why We Love This Small Black Forest Cake Recipe?
We love this Small Black Forest Cake Recipe because it combines soft chocolate cake, sweet tart cherry filling, and whipped creamy frosting in every bite.
The layers create a beautiful presentation that is both elegant and inviting. Each slice delivers a balanced flavor of rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and smooth cream that satisfies the senses.
This Small Black Forest Cake Recipe offers a delightful texture contrast and a memorable taste, making it a favourite dessert that brings joy to any table.
How To Prepare Small Black Forest Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Yield: 8 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 6-inch round cake pan
- Saucepan
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Serrated knife for leveling
Ingredients
For The Chocolate Cake:
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons neutral flavored oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla sugar)
- ½ cup hot coffee or hot water
For The Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups pitted tart red cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch

How To Make The Cake?
Step 1: Make The Cake Batter:
Stir the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, oil, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Add the dry mixture to the wet and blend until combined. Pour in the hot coffee (or hot water) and mix until the batter is smooth.
Step 2: Bake The Cake:
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 6-inch cake pan. Pour in the batter and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Step 3: Make The Cherry Filling:
Put the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, becomes glossy, and starts bubbling. Take it off the heat and let it cool.
Step 4: Prepare The Whipped Cream:
Whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until it forms firm peaks. Keep it chilled until ready to use.
Step 5: Level And Cut The Cake:
Once the cake is fully cooled, trim the top to make it even. Slice it horizontally into two layers, depending on how tall it baked.
Step 6: Build The Cake:
Set the first layer on your serving plate. Spread on a layer of whipped cream, then add a layer of the cherry filling. Repeat with the remaining layer. Coat the outside with more whipped cream and smooth it out or decorate as you like.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches And Serve:
Top with extra cherries, chocolate curls, or a dusting of cocoa. Chill the cake for at least an hour before cutting. Slice and enjoy your small Black Forest cake.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Small Black Forest Cake Recipe
This Small Black Forest Cake Recipe features layers of soft, moist chocolate cake paired with a sweet and slightly tart cherry filling, all enveloped in light, fluffy whipped cream.
The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a delightful contrast of flavours, while the cream adds smoothness and richness.
The main speciality of this Small Black Forest Cake Recipe lies in its balanced layering, where each bite delivers chocolate, fruit, and cream together.
Small Black Forest Cake Recipe charming appearance and harmonious taste make it a standout dessert for gatherings or celebrations.
Expert Tips
● Use high quality cocoa powder and fresh cherries to enhance the natural flavours of the cake.
● Chill the whipped cream before whipping to achieve stiff, stable peaks.
● Sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure a light, tender chocolate sponge.
● Spread cherry filling evenly between layers to maintain balance and prevent sliding.
● Slice the cake gently using a serrated knife to keep layers intact and maintain a neat presentation.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Top each slice with a fresh cherry and a small dollop of whipped cream for a classic look.
2. Dust cocoa powder or powdered sugar lightly over the cake for an elegant finish.
3. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream to enhance richness.
4. Garnish the edges with chocolate shavings or curls for added texture and visual appeal.
5. Pair individual slices with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
Small Black Forest Cake Recipe offers antioxidants from cocoa that support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Cherries provide vitamins, minerals, and anthocyanins, which help protect cells and boost immunity. Eggs supply protein for muscle maintenance, while cream and butter deliver healthy fats for energy and nutrient absorption.
The Small Black Forest Cake Recipe combines fruit and cream, creating a satisfying treat that can support mental well being. Small servings promote portion control.
Natural cherry sweetness helps lower added sugar consumption. Balanced flavours and textures make it both nourishing and enjoyable.
How To Make More Delicious Small Black Forest Cake Recipe?
Enhance the flavor of Small Black Forest Cake Recipe by using high quality cocoa and freshly brewed coffee to deepen the chocolate taste.
Allow the cherry filling to simmer until thick and glossy, intensifying its natural sweetness and tartness. Whip the cream until it forms firm peaks for a light, airy texture.
Layer the cake evenly and chill before serving to let the flavours meld. Garnish with fresh cherries and dark chocolate shavings for extra richness and visual appeal, creating a more indulgent and flavourful dessert.
How To Store Leftovers Small Black Forest Cake Recipe?
Leftover Small Black Forest Cake Recipe should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the whipped cream from absorbing odors.
Keep the Small Black Forest Cake Recipe in the refrigerator for up to three days to preserve the texture of the chocolate layers and the cherry filling.
Before serving, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Proper storage ensures every slice remains flavourful, moist, and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Cherries For The Filling?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery filling.
Can This Cake Be Made In A Larger Size?
Yes, simply increase the ingredients proportionally and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I Use Whipped Cream Stabiliser?
Yes, adding a stabiliser helps the whipped cream hold its shape longer.
Can I Substitute Cocoa Powder With Chocolate?
Yes, melted chocolate can replace cocoa, but reduce other fats slightly.
Conclusion
This Small Black Forest Cake Recipe is easy to follow and results in a delicious, visually appealing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
I truly enjoyed making it, and I hope this recipe inspires you to try it yourself. With its rich chocolate, tangy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a delightful treat that’s sure to impress.
Now it’s your turn bake Small Black Forest Cake Recipe soon and share how wonderfully delicious it turns out!
More Cake Recipes You’ll Love
Lazy Cookie Cake Recipe [4 Ingredients]
Old Fashioned Omaha Cake Recipe | Soft & Moist
Easy Magnolia Bakery Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Healthy Morning Glory Cake Recipe

Small Black Forest Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 6-inch round cake pan
- Saucepan
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Serrated knife (for leveling)
Ingredients
For The Chocolate Cake:
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons neutral flavored oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla sugar
- ½ cup hot coffee or hot water
For The Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups pitted tart red cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
Instructions
Step 1: Make The Cake Batter:
- Stir the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, oil, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Add the dry mixture to the wet and blend until combined. Pour in the hot coffee (or hot water) and mix until the batter is smooth.
Step 2: Bake The Cake:
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 6-inch cake pan. Pour in the batter and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Step 3: Make The Cherry Filling:
- Put the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, becomes glossy, and starts bubbling. Take it off the heat and let it cool.
Step 4: Prepare The Whipped Cream:
- Whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until it forms firm peaks. Keep it chilled until ready to use.
Step 5: Level And Cut The Cake:
- Once the cake is fully cooled, trim the top to make it even. Slice it horizontally into two layers, depending on how tall it baked.
Step 6: Build The Cake:
- Set the first layer on your serving plate. Spread on a layer of whipped cream, then add a layer of the cherry filling. Repeat with the remaining layer. Coat the outside with more whipped cream and smooth it out or decorate as you like.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches And Serve:
- Top with extra cherries, chocolate curls, or a dusting of cocoa. Chill the cake for at least an hour before cutting. Slice and enjoy your small Black Forest cake.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360 kcal | Carbohydrates: 42 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 20 g | Sugar: 30 g | Fiber: 2 g
Hi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!