Skip to Content

Black Forest Sheet Cake

Thanks for sharing!

This simplified version of black forest sheet cake still feels ultra luxe. Moist chocolate cake studded with cherries, creamy vanilla German buttercream and a layer of ganache come together to make your dessert dreams come true!

two dessert plates with a slice of black forest sheet cake on each, chocolate cake, german buttercream, dark chocolate ganache.

This cake is over the top good without being fussy to put together. The chocolate cake is highlighted with cherries and chocolate chips.

A silky smooth layer of German buttercream separates the cake from a shiny layer of ganache that tops the whole thing off nicely. It may look unassuming at first glance, but it is ready to wow you once you cut into it!

Fork piercing through ganache on top of vanilla buttercream coated chocolate and cherry black forest cake.

This sheet cake is getting ready to win over your heart.  It is actually relatively simple to make and the layers work together to make it both look and taste stunning.

Check out the beauty and inner workings of each layer and then put all of the ingredients on your grocery list. This one is worth making up and excuse to bake!

The Cake

You will be surprised how easily the cake comes together. It starts with a chocolate cake mix and a can of cherry pie filling, so it is in the oven in no time.

Chocolate cake batter with cherry pie filling and chocolate chips ready to be stirred in.

 If you come here often, you may recognize the recipe from the chocolate cherry fudge bundt cake. A reader shared how they made it in a 9×13 on Pinterest, so I was inspired to do the same.

With a few simple mix-ins the cake mix is transformed into something extra special. It is always moist and has never failed me.

I like using mini chocolate chips in this recipe. They basically melt into the cake and give that rich chocolate flavor without being distinctly detectable.

first piece of black forest cake on plate showing creamy vanilla frosting between chocolate cake and ganache topping.

If you can measure and stir together a few ingredients, you can make this cake. It’s all in one bowl and simple as can be.

In fact you don’t have to tell your guests how easy it is to make. It’s our little secret.

The Buttercream Layer

German buttercream really sets this cake off.  It is built on a thick custard base, so it is super creamy and subtly sweet.

Lifting first slice of cake out of pan, showing moist chocolate cake with cherries, creamy vanilla layer and rich chocolate topping.

It adds a softness between two bold chocolate layers. You may want to make a double batch so you have some to eat off a spoon too!

Don’t let all of the steps in the recipe deter you from making it.  It is more work than American buttercream for sure, but not really complicated.

You can make the pudding part ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few days even.  Then just whip in the butter when you are ready to assemble your cake.

The Ganache

A layer of rich chocolaty ganache is almost always a good idea.  The shiny chocolate makes you anticipate good things to come and it really makes for striking layers on this cake.

dark chocolate pieces by bowl ready to be made into ganache.

I used a dark chocolate to make my ganache. It was really delicious with the other layers.

If milk chocolate is more your style,  go for it! The frosting is only subtly sweet, so milk chocolate wouldn’t be too much here.

Pouring warm ganache over german buttercream topped cake.

If you give it a try, be sure to let me know! Also, if you don’t have cream, feel free to use slightly less milk. It will still make a fabulous smooth layer to top your cake.

Whole sheet cake topped with shiny chocolate ganache, ready to be served.
Yield: 12 Servings

Black Forest Sheet Cake

Fork piercing through ganache on top of vanilla buttercream coated chocolate and cherry black forest cake.

This simplified version of black forest sheet cake still feels ultra luxe. Moist chocolate cake studded with cherries, creamy vanilla German buttercream and a layer of ganache come together to make your dessert dreams come true!

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 46 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 6 minutes

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 (15.25 ounce) Devil’s food cake mix
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
  • 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Frosting

  • 1 recipe German buttercream
  • 5-6 ounces dark chocolate
  • 1/3 cup whole milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan.
  2. Put the cake mix, vegetable oil, egg and milk in a large mixing bowl.  
  3. Mix together on low speed until the ingredients are combined. Then mix on medium speed for two minutes.
  4. Stir in the cherry pie filling and mini chocolate chips. 
  5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until it springs back when lightly touched with a finger. 
  6. Cool completely before frosting. 
  7. Smooth the German buttercream over the cake and then chill for at least 15 minutes.
  8. When you are ready to finish the cake, break the chocolate into small pieces. Place in a small microwave safe bowl.  Add milk or cream and microwave in 15-20 second spurts, stirring well between. As soon as the chocolate stirs smooth, let it sit for a few minutes to cool.
  9. Once the ganache is no longer hot, just warm, pour it over the chilled cake and spread until smooth.
  10. This cake is best stored in the refrigerator, but let the pieces come to room temperature before eating it. 

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please view my disclosure page for more information.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 495Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 364mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 2gSugar: 32gProtein: 5g

All nutritional information is estimated and will depend on the exact ingredients you use.

Did you make this recipe?

I'd love to see it! Share a picture on Instagram or Pinterest and tag me @carleecooks to let me know how it went!

This simplified version of black forest sheet cake still feels ultra luxe. Moist chocolate cake studded with cherries, creamy vanilla German buttercream and a layer of ganache come together to make your dessert dreams come true!
This simplified version of black forest sheet cake still feels ultra luxe. Moist chocolate cake studded with cherries, creamy vanilla German buttercream and a layer of ganache come together to make your dessert dreams come true!

Thanks for sharing!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen

Friday 9th of August 2019

Oh my, I want a piece for dessert tonight, please!

Kim~madeinaday

Monday 5th of August 2019

Looks delicious! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! We hope you will join us again next week! Kim

Carlee

Tuesday 6th of August 2019

Thanks, Kim!

Shannon @ Of The Hearth

Saturday 3rd of August 2019

I wish I had a slice of this right now! It sounds delicious.

Carlee

Tuesday 6th of August 2019

Come on over, I'll make another one!

Amy (Savory Moments)

Friday 2nd of August 2019

This cake looks so good! I love black forest cake.

Carlee

Tuesday 6th of August 2019

I wish I could send you a slice!

Amy

Friday 2nd of August 2019

This cake sounds soooo good! And of course, that frosting!

Carlee

Tuesday 6th of August 2019

It's the whole package for sure!

Skip to Recipe