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
Scale
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.
