Description
This Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake combines rich chocolate cake layers with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with luscious cherry pie filling, melty chocolate chips, and optional crunchy walnuts for a delightful twist on the classic Black Forest dessert. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent dessert cravings, this cake offers layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cake does not stick and bakes evenly.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant pudding mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat thoroughly until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
- Bake First Cake Layer: Pour half of the prepared batter into the greased pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled first cake layer, creating a smooth surface.
- Add Toppings: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer evenly. Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts (if using) on top of the cherries.
- Finish with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining half of the chocolate cake batter gently over the toppings, trying to cover them as much as possible without disturbing the layers below. Smooth the top carefully.
- Bake the Entire Cake: Return the assembled cake to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the edges into the cake batter layer. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating for a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
- Use a toothpick to test cake doneness for accurate baking times, especially since the cake has layered textures.
- Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free dessert.
- The cake is best served at room temperature for full flavor and texture.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-48 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American