If you have a soft spot for rich, chocolaty desserts with a burst of sweet cherries, the Black Forest Texas Sheet Cake Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. This delightful cake combines the deep, fudgy texture of a Texas sheet cake with the luscious cherry pie filling you love from classic Black Forest cakes, all topped with a fluffy, sweet whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It’s indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make, perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or whenever you want to impress without stress.

Black Forest Texas Sheet Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that irresistible Black Forest experience by balancing rich chocolate, bright cherry flavors, and creamy toppings. The components are straightforward and pantry-friendly, which means assembling this showstopper is easier than it looks.

2 eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cake batter while keeping it tender.
1 tsp almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the cherry and chocolate flavors.
1 Devil’s Food cake mix: The foundation for the rich, fudgy base of the cake, bringing intense chocolate flavor with little effort.
21 oz cherry pie filling: The star ingredient that injects luscious, sweet cherries throughout the cake.
⅓ cup milk: Helps create the perfect batter consistency and moist crumb.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that glossy finish.
5 tbsp butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting, ensuring it sets perfectly.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into the frosting for that classic chocolate glaze finish.
1 ½ cups whipping cream (cold): Whipped to soft, fluffy peaks, it creates a light, airy topping that balances the cake’s richness.
3 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without adding grainy texture.
1 chocolate bar (for shaving): Adds elegant chocolate curls for a final, beautiful touch.

How to Make Black Forest Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F to get it ready for baking. Grease a half sheet baking sheet (about 15 by 10 inches) with a baking spray that contains flour; this helps the cake release beautifully once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and almond extract until well combined. Then add the Devil’s Food cake mix and pour in the entire can of cherry pie filling. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed. The cherry filling gives this cake a moist, fruity element that sets it apart from traditional Texas sheet cakes.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Evenly spread the batter into your prepared baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 23 to 27 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick near the center — it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Let the cake cool slightly before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Frosting

While the cake is baking, start your frosting. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk, sugar, and butter. Stir gently as everything melts together, then bring the mixture to a boil for exactly one minute. Remove from heat immediately and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until the frosting is smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Pour the hot chocolate frosting evenly over the warm cake, spreading to cover every inch. The warmth helps the frosting settle into the cake’s nooks and crannies, creating a luxuriously fudgy top layer. Allow the cake and frosting to cool completely for best results, or serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Step 6: Whip the Cream and Finish the Topping

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cold whipping cream in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until you reach stiff peaks. Spread or pipe this whipped cream generously over the cooled cake. Finish by adding more cherry pie filling on top and shaving chocolate curls from a chocolate bar using a vegetable peeler for that authentic Black Forest vibe.

How to Serve Black Forest Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Garnishes

The whipped cream and chocolate shavings are signature garnishes, but don’t hesitate to add fresh cherries or a sprinkle of toasted almonds to enhance texture and add visual appeal. These additional touches bring freshness and a satisfying crunch that perfectly complement the cake’s soft layers.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich enough to be a star on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with light sides like a simple mixed greens salad for contrast, or a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream to balance the chocolate and fruit flavors with cool creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, cut the cake into squares and serve stacked with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top. Alternatively, cut into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve on cocktail trays for parties. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper also makes for charming, portable desserts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Black Forest Texas Sheet Cake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. The whipped cream topping is delicate, so it’s best eaten within 3 days for maximum freshness and flavor. Keeping it cold preserves the creamy topper and prevents the cherry filling from souring.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake layers first, wrapped snugly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely, then frost and top with whipped cream and cherries just before serving. This way, you retain the fresh textures and flavors.

Reheating

This cake is delightful served warm or chilled. If reheating a slice, do so gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds to avoid melting the whipped cream. A quick warm-up enhances the gooey chocolate layers and makes the cherry pie filling even more luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! You can use fresh or frozen cherries cooked down into a sauce or another brand of cherry pie filling. Just make sure it is thick enough to mix well with the batter and not overly watery.

Is there a substitute for the Devil’s Food cake mix?

If you prefer homemade, you can use a homemade chocolate cake recipe, but mixing the cake with the cherry pie filling might require adjustments in moisture. The mix simplifies this process and guarantees consistent results.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting dairy milk with almond or oat milk, using dairy-free butter alternatives, and ensuring your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Use coconut or other non-dairy whipped toppings to replace the cream.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

While almond extract offers a lovely depth of flavor, it can be omitted or replaced with vanilla extract for a slightly different but still delicious outcome.

How do I get those perfect chocolate shavings?

Use a sharp vegetable peeler and a firm chocolate bar at room temperature. Gently peel along the edge of the bar to create delicate curls that add that elegant finishing touch to your cake.

Final Thoughts

The Black Forest Texas Sheet Cake Recipe is a comforting yet show-stopping dessert that brings together the best of two beloved classics. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to bring smiles, sweet memories, and maybe even a few happy dancing feet. Give it a try and let the rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream wow everyone at your table.