If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, luscious, and bursting with classic flavors, the Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This extraordinary cake beautifully marries moist chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, and tart cherry pie filling, all layered into one unforgettable treat. Every bite delivers a symphony of tastes and textures that feels like a cherished celebration in your mouth, making it perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to indulge yourself and your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yet each element plays a vital role. From the chocolate cake mix that forms the moist base to the cream cheese that creates the silky middle layer, every item has been chosen to deliver the perfect harmony of flavor and texture.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 18.25 ounces): Provides the rich, tender cake layers that are the soul of this dessert.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (1 box, 3 ounces): Adds extra moistness and depth to the chocolate flavor.
- Water (1 cup): Hydrates the dry ingredients to bring the cake batter together smoothly.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the other flavors.
- Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and provide structure for that perfect cake crumb.
- Cream cheese (1 package, 8 ounces, softened): Infuses a creamy, tangy layer that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer just enough without being cloying.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and balances the richness.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 12 ounces): Brings the signature fruity tartness that defines a classic Black Forest dessert.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Sprinkle of melty chocolate that adds both texture and bursts of flavor.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and earthiness if you want some extra texture.
How to Make Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9×13 inch baking pan so your cake doesn’t stick. Next, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant pudding mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Beat until the batter is smooth and velvety. This combination ensures a moist and rich chocolate foundation for the dessert.
Step 2: Bake the First Cake Layer
Pour half of the luscious batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake this first layer for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This initial baking step sets the stage for the layered masterpiece with a firm but tender chocolate base.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
While the cake layer cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl until silky smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, which elevates the cheesecake’s flavor and adds depth. This creamy layer brings the rich tang that contrasts so well with the chocolate.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the cooled first cake layer, creating a luscious middle that promises indulgence in every bite. Then, evenly distribute the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake. Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and optional chopped walnuts on top to add texture and more bursts of flavor.
Step 5: Finish Baking the Cake
Pour the remaining chocolate cake batter over your layered creation with care so as not to disturb the cheesecake and cherry layers too much. Bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the cake layer (not the filling) comes out clean. The layers will meld into one glorious dessert as the cake finishes baking.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Allow your Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake Recipe to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial to achieve those perfect clean slices and to let the flavors fully develop, making each bite a harmonious experience.
How to Serve Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, garnish slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few extra cherries from the pie filling or fresh cherries if you want a bright, natural touch. A dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings will also add elegance and an extra hit of chocolate charm.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a bold red wine like a Merlot, which complements the chocolate and cherry flavors perfectly. For a lighter option, fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream are crowd-pleasers and balance the cake’s richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, consider serving the cake in individual mason jars layered with whipped cream and cherries for a deconstructed take. Alternatively, turn the recipe into cupcakes by baking in liners and topping with a cheesecake dollop and cherry on each one—perfect for parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it keeps well for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more with time.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
This decadent cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is usually unnecessary. If you prefer your cake slightly warm, briefly microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the layers intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake batter works wonderfully if you prefer to scratch bake. Just be sure it has a rich, moist texture similar to the box mix for the best outcome.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the chopped walnuts. The cake will still be deliciously decadent without the nuts.
Can I substitute fresh cherries for the pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used but will change the texture and sweetness a bit. If you use fresh, consider cooking them slightly with sugar to mimic the pie filling’s consistency.
How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from mixing too much with the cake layers?
To keep the cheesecake layer intact, spread it gently over a completely cooled first cake layer and pour the remaining batter slowly on top. This method helps preserve distinct layers after baking.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
It’s possible by choosing a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and pudding mix, plus ensuring the other ingredients are gluten-free. The result will still be wonderfully rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake Recipe is truly a celebration of flavor and texture, bringing together the best of chocolate, cherries, and cheesecake in one unforgettable dessert. I can’t recommend it enough for your next gathering or any day you want to treat yourself to something special. Go ahead, bake it, share it, and watch your friends and family fall in love with every blissful bite.
Print
Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake combines rich chocolate cake with creamy cheesecake and the classic cherry pie filling, layered together and baked to perfection. Topped with chocolate chips and optional walnuts, this dessert delivers a luscious, indulgent treat inspired by the traditional Black Forest flavor profile.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1 box (3 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 (12-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Make Chocolate Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat the mixture together until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Bake First Cake Layer: Pour half of the prepared batter into the greased pan and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled chocolate cake layer in the pan.
- Add Toppings: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. Then sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and the optional chopped walnuts evenly on top.
- Add Second Cake Layer and Bake: Pour the remaining chocolate cake batter over the layered toppings, gently spreading it to cover. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the top cake layer is cooked through and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing cleaner.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smoother cheesecake layer.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and complement the chocolate and cherry flavors.
- Allowing the cake to cool completely before serving improves flavor and texture.
- For a richer chocolate experience, use high-quality chocolate chips.
