Eggless Black Forest Cake Recipe

Updated: August 29, 2022, By Swasthi

Eggless black forest cake recipe with video. This decadently delicious eggless black forest cake is perfectly moist, full of rich chocolate flavour with layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream & cherries, adorned with chocolate shavings. This beautiful black forest cake is the easiest that anyone can bake! Yes! Anyone! No matter you are a beginner or an experienced baker this recipe is the simplest to bake & easier than you think! It is perfect for any occasions and celebrations to make your day memorable.

eggless black forest cake

Recipe Comments

About black forest cake

Black forest cake also known as Black Forest gateau, is a classic chocolate sponge cake with cream and cherry filling, based on a German dessert, “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte” which translates to “Black forest cherry torte”.

A typical black forest cake has several layers of super light chocolate sponge cake soaked with kirschwasser (cherry spirit), then sandwiched with whipped cream & cherries. Lastly it is decorated with some whipped cream frosting, maraschino cherries & chocolate shavings.

Though this delicious show-stopping dessert originated in Germany, it is made around the world that features slightly different versions.

But one thing that is true about the black forest cake, it is made with several layers of chocolate sponge cake, with a rich and addictive whipped cream and cherry filling. Rest of the components like the syrup and cherries used vary a lot depending on country.

The German Schwarzwalder Kirshtorte has an important component, kirschwasser, a clear spirit (alcohol) made from sour cherries. Germans, love their traditional dessert so much that the German law mandates “any dessert labelled Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte must have kirschwasser”. (Source:Wikipedia)

In a lot of countries, a dessert based on this is made without kirschwasser and it is called black forest cake or Black Forest gateau but not Schwarzwalder Kirshtorte because it has no kirschwasser.

My recipe

My recipe is based on the German black forest cake, but is egg free and alcohol-free. As I mentioned earlier every culture and country has a variation of the traditional German Black forest cake.

Here in my recipe, I have used a simple sugar syrup as a substitute to alcohol, cherry spirit. You can also use regular cherry syrup, I have added the instructions below for that as well.

For the base, we need a soft and spongy cake. You can make one with eggs or without eggs. On occasions I have baked this cake with and without eggs. I have the recipes for both the versions on the blog.

The cake recipe I have used here is the same, the most popular eggless chocolate cake on my blog. It bakes up to a moist, super soft and flavorful cake. If you are a beginner you may check that post as well where I share the basics to baking perfect cake.

However If you prefer using eggs to make your chocolate sponge you may check this chocolate sponge cake.

If you do not have an oven, you can also bake this cake in a cooker or heavy bottom pot or pan following this cooker cake recipe. I highly suggest reading the full recipe and tips before you begin so you don’t go wrong.

This recipe is divided into 2 sections for the ease of understanding. The first section is to make the cake and the second section is to make the frosting and decorate the black forest cake. I also have a video of the full recipe below. Do check out that.

eggless black forest cake recipe

Photo Guide

How to make black forest cake (stepwise photos)

If you do not have 6 inch pans, then bake one 8 inch cake and slice them to 2 layers. Decide on the number of layers you want to have in your black forest cake. Usually it has at least 3 to 4 layers.

1. Grease two 6 inch cake pans or one 8 inch cake pan. Line them with parchment paper. If you do not have parchment paper then simply dust some cocoa generously all over and invert the pans in the kitchen sink so the excess is removed. Preheat oven to 170 C or 340 F for at least 15 mins. Follow the same even to bake in microwave convection mode.

2. Place a sieve over a large mixing bowl. Add ¼ cup cocoa powder (good quality powder).

add cocoa powder to a sieve

3. Next add 1 ½ cups flour – all-purpose flour or wheat flour (180 grams) and ⅓ teaspoon salt.

add flour and salt to make black forest cake

4. Add 1 teaspoon Baking soda. Please ensure your baking soda is active and within the shelf period before using.

add baking soda

5. Sieve all of them and mix well.

mixing dry ingredients

6. Add 1 cup sugar. I used fine sugar here. You can also powder 1 cup sugar and add it here.

add sugar to bowl

Make batter

7. Pour ⅓ cup oil (80 ml). I used organic virgin coconut oil. You can use any light neutral oil.

add oil to make black forest cake batter

8. Pour 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract.

add vanilla extract

9. Pour 1 cup milk or water at room temperature. Pour 1 tablespoon Vinegar.

pour milk to make black forest cake batter

10. Begin to mix with a whisk gently just until combined. Scrape the sides in between and mix. Make sure you don’t overmix. We don’t want a gluey or flat cake.

whisk wet and dry ingredients to make black forest cake batter

11. You should have a smooth batter that is free of any lumps.

pour eggless black forest cake batter ready to bake

Baking cake

12. Divide the batter to greased 2 pans. Place the cake pans in the center rack of your oven. Bake for 20 mins (6 inch pan) or for 30 to 35 mins (8 inch pan). Every oven is different so adjust the baking time as needed. You may need a little longer.

cake batter in 2 6 inch pans

13. When correctly baked, the tester comes out clean.

tester comes out clean from cake

14. Remove the cake pans and place them on the racks so they don’t sweat at the bottom.

cooling cakes for black forest cake

15. Remove the cakes from the pan by inverting the cake pan on the rack, as shown in the picture. Cool completely on the wired rack. While the cakes cool, make the sugar syrup or cherry syrup.

Make syrup

16. To make sugar syrup, boil 2 tbsp sugar with 4 to 5 tbsp water until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. or make cherry syrup by adding 3 tbsps water to chopped cherries. Rest for 45 mins. Later strain the syrup and use it here. Pat the cherries gently to remove excess juice.

17. I never slice my cakes and prefer to bake the individual layers in separate pans. But if you have baked it in a single 8 inch pan, then slice it in the center to 2 layers. Also if your cake is uneven on top, then slice it evenly with a cake leveler or knife. Clean up any bits of crumbs on the cake.

18. Pour 1 to 2 tbsps of the prepared syrup evenly on the cakes. Set this aside. This step is very essential as it keeps the cake moist.

Pour the syrup evenly on the cakes

Whipping cream

19. Chill the bowl & beater for few hours. Then transfer 1½ cups cream to the chilled bowl and start whiping on a low then to medium speed until it turns bubbly and slightly thick.

beat the cream for eggless black forest cake

20. Then slowly add 3 tablespoons powdered sugar.

add powdered sugar

21. Whip until stiff peaks. Stiff peaks stand up & do not fall when the beaters are lifted. Be careful not to over whip.

Whip until stiff peaks for frosting eggless black forest cake

22. Fit a pipping nozzle inside a piping bag. Transfer half cup whipped cream to it. Avoid handling the bag a lot as it will soften the cream. Immediately refrigerate.

Fit a pipping nozzle inside a piping bag

Decorating

23. The eggless black forest cake is decorated with some chocolate shavings and cherries. For the chocolate shavings you can use any good quality chocolate. Keep the chocolate bar out of the fridge until it is easy to handle then using a grater or knife just make some shavings. You can make this ahead and refrigerate.

chocolate shavings for eggless black forest cake recipe

Before you begin this step ensure you do it in a cool room. If you live in a hot place, turn on your air conditioner.

24. Add a tsp of cream to the cake stand and place 4 parchment papers on all the 4 sides. Then place one layer of the cake over it. Spread cream on the cake. Then layer the chopped cherries.

layer the chopped cherries

25. Place another cake on top and spread the frosting there too. Do not handle the cream a lot, it begins to deflate.

Place another cake on top

26. Spread a thin layer on the sides as well and refrigerate for 45 to 60 mins. I made a 3 layer cake.

refrigerate

27. Repeat frosting cream all over the cake. If needed refrigerate it again. Then decorate the cake on the borders.

Repeat frosting cream all over the cake

28. Cover the sides of the cake with chocolate shavings. Then place the cherries on top and fill the gaps with chocolate shavings. Immediately refrigerate the black forest cake until needed.

black forest cake

Slice the black forest cake to 8 to 10 portions.

black forest cake recipe

More Cake recipes,
Biscuit Cake

Eggless vanilla cake
Chocolate cake
Banana cake
Eggless carrot cake

Pro tips

1. Cherries
Fresh cherries are best to use for layering & decorating. Alternately maraschino cherries or tinned cherries can be used if you like the flavor. Just pit the cherries and chop them to bite sizes.

Set aside some whole cherries for decoration. Allow the cherries to come down to room temperature before using it on the cake.

2. Cherry syrup
Originally kirschwasser, a clear spirit made of cherries is used to moisten the cake. Alternately freshly made cherry syrup or sugar syrup can be used. You can also use the cherry syrup from canned cherries.

Do not use the syrup from the maraschino cherries as the flavor is not good due to the additives. This can be prepared 1 day ahead.

3. Frosting
For the frosting, whipping cream with at least 36% or above works best. I used cream with 36% fat. The more fats the more stable your whipped cream frosting will be.

I haven’t used any stabilizers but used homemade confectioners sugar. I used 1 tbsp cornstarch for every 1 cup of sugar & blended them together.

Faqs

Can I bake this cake ahead?

Yes you can bake this ahead. Cool completely and then wrap in cling wraps and refrigerate for a week. If you prefer a warm or hot cake, simply microwave it on high for 1 to 2 mins depending on how cold it is.

What kind of cherries are best suited?

Traditionally sour cherries are used for the syrup and maraschino are used for decorating. But you can use anything that is available to you including fresh cherries, glazed cherries, bing cherries, lambert cherries and cherries in liquor.

What is the difference between chocolate cake and black forest cake?

Traditional German Black forest cake has several layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, cherry filling & most importantly cherry liquer, known as kirschwasser. Whereas a chocolate cake may be dense or sponge cake, with or without layers of filling and no cherry liquor is used. A chocolate cake is a base and you can transform it to a black forest cake.

Does black forest cake have alcohol in it?

Yes the traditional German black forest cake known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte has cherry liquor added to it while layering. But my recipe does not have any alcohol and replaces it with simple sugar syrup.

Recipe Card

eggless black forest cake

Eggless Black Forest Cake

4.98 from 121 votes
Easy eggless black forest cake for beginners. Moist, soft & delicious black forest cake made with layers of chocolate cake, cherries, whipped cream & topped with chocolate shavings.
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For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card

Prep Time40 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
decoration15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Servings8 inch cake
AuthorSwasthi

Ingredients (US cup = 240ml )

For the chocolate cake (makes two 6 inch cakes)

  • cups flour (wheat or all-purpose flour)
  • ¼ cup cocoa (good quality)
  • 1 tsp baking soda (recheck expiry date)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup fine sugar or sugar powdered
  • 1 cup milk or water (at room temperature, refer notes)
  • 1/3 cup oil (I used virgin coconut oil)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp vinegar (minimum 5% acidity or lemon juice)

Other ingredients

  • ½ to ¾ cup chopped cherries (fresh or maraschino)
  • 2 tbsp sugar (skip if making cherry syrup)
  • 4 to 5 tbsp water

For frosting

  • cups whipping cream chilled (36% fat or above)
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar or confectioners sugar (refer notes)

Ingredients for decorating

  • 6 to 8 cherries (fresh or maraschino)
  • 1 chocolate bar for chocolate shavings


Instructions

To make chocolate cake

  • Grease & line two 6 inch cake pans or one 8 inch pan. Preheat the oven to 170 C for at least 15 mins.
  • Sieve together flour, salt, cocoa and baking soda to a mixing bowl. Mix up the sugar and make a well in the center.
  • Pour oil, vinegar, vanilla and milk or water. Mix well until just combined and is free of lumps.
  • Pour the batter to the cake pans and knock to the kitchen counter a few times.
  • Bake the cake for – 20 mins if using two 6 inch pans. Bake for – 30 to 35 mins if using one 8 inch pan. When done tester inserted comes out clean.
  • Cool the cake pan on a wire rack for 8 to 10 mins. Invert it on the rack and cool completely before frosting.

Making cherry syrup

  • If using sugar syrup boil 2 tbsps of sugar in 4 to 5 tbsps of water until the sugar dissolves and comes to a rolling boil. 
  • Or add 3 tbsps water to chopped cherries and set aside for 45 to 50 mins. 
  • Strain the cherries and collect the syrup.
  • Pat the cherries gently to remove excess juices.

To make chocolate shavings

  • Keep the chocolate at room temperature for a while until it is easy to handle. 
  • Shave the chocolate bar using a fruit peeler. Keep it in the fridge until used.

Preparing frosting

  • Chill a bowl & beaters for at least 2 hours to whip the cream. I also chill the cake for an hour.
  • If made to a single 8 inch cake then cut it to 2 layers. I do not prefer to slice the cake so I bake in two 6 inch pans. 
  • Pour some cherry syrup or sugar syrup on each layer of the cake. Set this aside.
  • Pour the whipping cream to the chilled bowl and begin to whip on a low speed then on medium speed until bubbly and slightly thick. 
  • Then add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip until stiff peaks.
  • Fit a pipping nozzle inside a piping bag or use a disposable plastic bag. 
  • Transfer half cup of whipped cream to the bag. Refrigerate until used.
  • Do not handle the bag a lot else the cream will soften. 

Decorating the cake

  • Spread 1 tbsp whipped cream on the cake stand and place a cake layer over it. 
  • Then begin to spread some frosting over it. Spread chopped cherries over the cream.
  • Next place another layer of cake and spread the frosting. 
  • Finish up on the top portion and sides as well. 
  • Refrigerate the cream and the cake too for 45 to 50 mins if the cream begins to turn soft.
  • Lastly spread a generous amount of whipped cream to finish off.  
  • Cover the sides of the cake with the chocolate shavings.
  • Then decorate the cake border using the piping bag. 
  • I made about 12 roses you can do as many as you like – big or small. You can make your own designs too.
  • Place the chilled whole cherries on the roses and then fill up the gaps with chocolate shavings.
  • Refrigerate the eggless black forest cake until needed.


Notes

  1. Sugar: If you prefer to use powdered sugar, measure 1 cup sugar first and powder it. I use 1 tbsp cornstarch for every 1 cup of sugar & grind them together.
  2. Milk or water: Milk makes the cake slightly dense but adds richness and flavor to the cake.
  3. Make the cake previous night and store it at room temperature.The flavor of cake enhances by the next day.
  4. Prepare the frosting and decorate the same day. Refrigerate the cake and finish in 2 days otherwise the texture of the cake turns slightly dense.
  5. You can heat up the cake in microwave and spread fresh frosting once it cools down.

Video

NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)

Nutrition Facts
Eggless Black Forest Cake
Amount Per Serving
Calories 502 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 12g75%
Cholesterol 64mg21%
Sodium 262mg11%
Potassium 201mg6%
Carbohydrates 57g19%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 35g39%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 705IU14%
Vitamin C 1.4mg2%
Calcium 73mg7%
Iron 1.9mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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About Swasthi

Iโ€™m Swasthi Shreekanth, the recipe developer, food photographer & food writer behind Swasthi’s Recipes. My aim is to help you cook great Indian food with my time-tested recipes. After 2 decades of experience in practical Indian cooking I started this blog to help people cook better & more often at home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook I am sure Swasthiโ€™s Recipes will assist you to enhance your cooking skills. More about me

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Do you have a Black Forest cake receipt with eggs

hi swathie
today I made the chocolate cake but my frosting is not working as I add same quantity as you mentioned in this recipe. I add amul cream and powdered sugar, but it is not working. what should I do?

Thanks for the recipe. I am wondering if I can use Buttermilk in this recipe, instead of milk OR water? Will using (1c + 1 tbsp) buttermilk work in place of 1c milk + 1tbsp vinegar? Could you please let me know?

The buttermilk we get in store here in the US. I have always used that for the chocolate cake version with egg.

Milk & vinegar do make buttermilk. So, thought I could use buttermilk, instead.

5 stars
Great cake. I made this. Iโ€™d love to share a picture but i donโ€™t see a way to do that. Do you have a sugar free Black Forest cake recipe? Not for the icing just the cake?

Hi mam
Can I add butter instead of oil

I tried it but because of cherry syrup my whipped cream turned in thin consistency and I didnโ€™t like it at all???

4 stars
Hi, in the step by step instructions with pictures, it doesn’t mention the vinegar/lemon juice as it does in the simplified instructions. I followed the photo instructions and am almost finished and have realized I didn’t put the vinegar in. Is the cake ruined?

5 stars
Hai I don’t know what mistake I don’t know but at the time of frosting cream is not stabilizing can u pls tell what should be add to cream for its satbilizing.

Hello, I am going to try this cake. However I dont have an electric hand mixer but rather use a manual hand one. How would you suggest I make the cream pls.

5 stars
Sorry I found it itโ€™s the chocolate sponge cake which we can decorate as Black Forest cake I read it now sorry

5 stars
Hi swasti in you post you have mentioned that in this blog you have recipe for both version of this cake with egg also, I am not able to find the Black Forest cake with egg โ€ฆ can you please share link?

Hi mam
I have some queries regarding this recipe. If I add 1 cup of maida instead of 1 1/2 cup then what’s the amount of whipping cream for this? And I have ifb microwave so what will be the temperature to bake the cake?

Thank you mam.

And mam if I made whipping cream before preparing the cake then, when I will bring out the cream for the frosting?

Thank you so much mam.

And mam what is the amount of sugar for 1/2 cup cream?

Hi mam,

I have some queries… If I add 1 cup maida instead of 1 1/2 cup. Then what’s the amount of whipping cream for that?

4 stars
Thank you for the wonderful recipe of black forest cake it turned out great I want to share pic but don’t see option here to do so

Hi. I have a 8inch pan and i dont mind cutting the cake from between. Will this much quantity be enough for it . My pan is 3 inch tall.
Secondly i have tried baking cakes couple of time but at 350 degrees in middle rack at 40 mins also sometimes my cake is undercooked. I do not open my oven in between. Can you please help me i am in usa and using oven from gas range.
Thank you

5 stars
Hi Swasthi,
I wanted to know of I could bake the cake in cooker since I don’t have access to an oven right now.

I don’t have vanilla extract so what can I use in place of that or can i skip??

5 stars
Thank you for this black forest cake recipe. I made 2 six inch cakes with this recipe and left them to cool. They turned out perfect. Can I leave them overnight at room temperature. If so how do I cover them. Also I made the cherry syrup with fresh cherries and strained. Do I keep it in the refrigerator or room temperature? Please guide.

Hi, i m big fan of urs. I want a recipe for fresh fruitcake like we get white layered cake in market.pls avoid butter n eggs

HI,
how do you get absolutely flat/even cakes to get a an evenly finished looking cake after icing?

Hi

I have tried few of your recipies and everything came out so good and tasty..
Had a problem with the cake shape once it is baked, it used to break on top.. what is the reason ?
Want to make this cake for my daughters Bday. Have few questions.,

Only 22 cm pan (which is 8.66 inch) available in the nearby shop. Would you please tell me what will be the measurement change I need to do ? I am thinking to make the layers in batches do you think it will be okay ? Will baking cake one day and frosting next day work good?

Thank you so much for your reply ?

I am planning to make frosting with cream and also cream cheese as per your suggestion on other comment. Hope it comes out nice. All set to bake..