Black Forest Bundt Cake That’s Bursting with Cherries & Chocolate
Craving a nostalgic yet show-stopping dessert? This Black Forest Bundt Cake brings together the indulgent richness of dark chocolate with the sweet-tart burst of cherries—all wrapped in the irresistible moisture of sour cream.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to create a stunning Black Forest Bundt Cake that’s easy enough for a weekday bake and beautiful enough for celebrations. Whether you’re using cake mix shortcuts or going the traditional route, this article covers variations, tips, and baking FAQs—all optimized to help you master this chocolate-cherry classic. Let’s dive into the rich, bold flavors of this unforgettable dessert.
The Story Behind This Black Forest Bundt Cake
Why This Cake Tastes Like Home and Holiday Magic
When I was little, my grandmother used to make a decadent cherry chocolate cake every December. It was her twist on a classic German dessert, but she always added sour cream to make it extra moist—and boy, did it work. That cake, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, marked the beginning of the holidays in our house. Fast-forward a few years, and I recreated it as a bundt cake, simply because I love how those curves catch the cherry syrup in the most delicious way.
This Black Forest Bundt Cake feels like a bridge between generations: old-world tradition meets weekday simplicity. I still use sour cream, but I also incorporate tips I’ve picked up from my food stylist days—like brushing the cake with cherry syrup for that glossy finish. Whether you’re baking for guests or just because, this cake brings joy in every slice.
You can play with textures and layers too. I love folding chopped chocolate into the batter for pools of meltiness. A swirl of my homemade sour cherry sauce in the middle? That’s just magic. If you want even more cherry goodness, top the cake with cherry coffee cake-style crumbles. Trust me, the flavor combo is unbeatable.
A Bundt Full of Black Forest Love
Why go bundt? Aside from the visual appeal, a bundt pan gives you the best cake texture: crispy edges, fluffy middle, and a sculptural shape that holds glaze like a dream. It also makes this Black Forest Bundt Cake easier to slice and serve—no layers to stack, no fuss with fillings. Just chocolate, cherries, and that signature sour cream softness in every bite.
Bundt cakes also make the perfect base for drizzle-style decorations. Think cherry glaze, dark chocolate ganache, or even a dusting of powdered sugar with whole cherries nestled in the center. I’ve served it warm, cool, and even straight from the fridge—and it’s always a hit. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or my go-to chocolate ooey gooey cake topping if you’re feeling extra.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just to treat yourself, this Black Forest Bundt Cake recipe makes dessert feel like a celebration. And yes—it’s 100% beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never made a bundt before, this one’s for you.
Black Forest Bundt Cake Using Cake Mix
The Easiest Shortcut: Black Forest Bundt Cake with Cake Mix
You don’t need to start from scratch to create an unforgettable Black Forest Bundt Cake. With a little help from cake mix—and a few clever upgrades—you can bake a rich, moist cake that tastes homemade. My secret? Sour cream, instant coffee, and a splash of cherry juice. They transform a standard chocolate cake mix into a bakery-worthy bundt with deep flavor and the perfect texture.
Start with a devil’s food or dark chocolate cake mix. Add eggs, oil, sour cream, and a touch of brewed coffee or espresso powder. Then stir in canned cherry pie filling—not just for flavor, but for those luscious pockets of fruit. The mix should be thick, almost mousse-like, which gives you a dense, fudgy crumb that stays tender for days.
Want to elevate the finish? Drizzle your bundt with cherry glaze and chocolate ganache. It’s the same technique I use in my triple chocolate mousse cake, and it takes this simple bundt from easy to extraordinary.
Cake Mix Add-Ins That Make It Taste Homemade
Here’s a quick breakdown of add-ins to boost flavor and texture:
| Add-In | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Sour Cream | Adds richness and keeps the crumb ultra-moist |
| Cherry Juice | Deepens the fruity profile |
| Espresso Powder | Intensifies chocolate flavor |
| Chocolate Chunks | Adds texture and melty pockets of chocolate |
For a flavor twist, you could even swirl in a spoonful of strawberry cream cheese dump cake filling for a fruity ribbon that surprises with every bite. This is how bundt cake becomes an art—and a breeze.
Mini Black Forest Bundt Cakes & Gorgeous Presentation
Black Forest Mini Bundt Cakes: Perfect for Parties
If you want a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to serve, Black Forest mini bundt cakes are the answer. They’re everything you love about the classic version—dark chocolate cake, cherries, and sour cream richness—just scaled down to adorable, single-serve sizes.
Mini bundt pans are widely available and typically hold about 1 cup of batter each. The key is to grease them thoroughly (use a pastry brush if needed) and dust with cocoa powder instead of flour to avoid white streaks on the finished cakes. You’ll bake them for 18–22 minutes, just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Because they’re small, mini bundts bake up with the perfect ratio of crispy edge to soft interior. Once cooled, drizzle each one with chocolate ganache or a cherry glaze made from the syrup in your sour cherry sauce recipe. You can even top them with a single cherry or pipe a swirl of whipped cream into the center. Fancy but fuss-free.
Want more chocolate drama? Try serving them with a spoonful of chocolate mousse brownie topping or a dollop of cherry compote. These bite-sized desserts will steal the show at any gathering.
Presentation Ideas for Your Black Forest Bundts
When it comes to bundt cakes—especially one as visually striking as this—presentation makes a big impact. Here are a few of my favorite styling tips:
- Use a cake stand and garnish with fresh cherries and dark chocolate curls.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy effect.
- Plate mini bundts with a swirl of cherry coulis or whipped mascarpone cream.
- For brunch events, serve alongside cake mix cookie bars or other tray bakes for variety.
A beautifully glazed bundt cake or mini bundt tower is all you need to turn a simple dessert into a stunning centerpiece.
Black Forest Cherry Cake from Scratch + Pro Tips
How to Make Black Forest Bundt Cake from Scratch
While cake mix is convenient, there’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a Black Forest Bundt Cake completely from scratch. When you make it yourself, you control every flavor note—from the cocoa richness to the cherry tang. This version uses dark chocolate, sour cream, fresh or jarred cherries, and a glossy cherry glaze to bring it all home.
Start by creaming butter and sugar, then whisk in eggs, vanilla, and sour cream for that signature tangy tenderness. In a separate bowl, combine flour, Dutch-process cocoa, baking soda, and espresso powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then stir in chopped cherries and chunks of dark chocolate.
Pour into a greased bundt pan and bake until a skewer comes out clean—usually 50–60 minutes. After cooling, brush the cake with cherry juice or syrup. Finish with a shiny chocolate ganache and a scattering of more cherries. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.
For even more cherry decadence, spoon on some black forest trifle topping before serving. It adds layers of cherry, whipped cream, and extra cocoa notes without complicating the recipe.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cherry Chocolate Bundt
- Sour cream matters: It’s the key to that super-moist texture. Full-fat is best.
- Dutch cocoa over regular: This gives a deeper, smoother chocolate base.
- Don’t skip espresso powder: It intensifies the chocolate without tasting like coffee.
- Use jarred morello cherries for the best tart-sweet flavor, or sour cherry sauce if you’re feeling fancy.
- Let the cake rest overnight: It tastes even better the next day.
You can also experiment with flavor layers—try blending in a swirl of chocolate brownies with avocado batter for a surprising twist that adds richness without overpowering the cherry-chocolate harmony.
FAQs about Black Forest Bundt Cake
Can I make Black Forest Bundt cake with cherries, chocolate, and sour cream?
Yes, and that trio is what makes this cake iconic. Cherries add tart juiciness, chocolate brings richness, and sour cream keeps the crumb incredibly moist. Together, they create a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both decadent and refreshing.
Can I use cake mix for Black Forest Bundt cake?
Absolutely. Start with a chocolate cake mix and elevate it with sour cream, cherry juice, and chopped chocolate. Add canned cherry pie filling for extra flavor and texture. It’s a fantastic shortcut with a homemade taste.
How do I make mini Black Forest bundt cakes?
Use a mini bundt pan and follow the same recipe, dividing the batter evenly. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. Decorate with ganache, glaze, or whipped cream and cherries for charming individual servings.
Is Black Forest cherry cake the same as Black Forest Bundt cake?
They share the same flavor profile—chocolate, cherries, and cream—but the bundt version is simpler to assemble. There’s no need for layers or frosting. You still get all the flavor in a beautiful, easy-to-slice shape.
Conclusion
This Black Forest Bundt Cake is everything I love about baking: cozy, bold, and brimming with chocolate and cherry flavor. Whether you make it from scratch or use cake mix magic, this cake never fails to wow. It’s one of those recipes that feel timeless yet approachable, and once you try it, I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.
And hey—if you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, don’t miss my black forest trifle, cherry coffee cake, or strawberry cream cheese dump cake. Let’s keep baking sweet things that feel like home.
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Black Forest Bundt Cake That’s Bursting with Cherries & Chocolate
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and chocolatey Black Forest Bundt Cake packed with cherries and sour cream for an unforgettable bite.
Ingredients
1 box devil’s food cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake base)
1 cup sour cream
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup cherry juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp espresso powder
1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling or chopped morello cherries
3/4 cup dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup bundt pan.
2. In a bowl, mix cake mix, sour cream, eggs, oil, cherry juice, vanilla, and espresso powder until smooth.
3. Fold in cherry pie filling and chocolate chunks.
4. Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto wire rack.
7. Drizzle with ganache or cherry glaze before serving.
Notes
Store cake at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
For extra cherry flavor, brush cake with warm cherry syrup before glazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
