If you’re craving a chocolate-cherry treat that wows in both flavor and looks—without ever turning on the oven—the No-Bake Black Forest Slice absolutely deserves a spot at the top of your must-make list. Every decadent bite features a luscious, creamy dark chocolate filling studded with juicy cherries, all layered over a rich, buttery cookie base. This crowd-pleasing dessert takes the classic Black Forest flavor combination and delivers it in a gorgeously easy, sliceable bar—you won’t believe how effortless and impressive this no-bake recipe is!

No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the No-Bake Black Forest Slice is that you only need a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create something truly divine. Each component plays a special role—from texture to richness to fruity pop—so don’t skip on quality!

Chocolate cookies: Crushed to create a delightfully crunchy and chocolatey base that holds together perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with the cookies for richness and to bind the base.
Canned dark sweet cherries: Drained and chopped, they bring sweet-tart flavor and juicy pockets of cherry in every mouthful.
Dark chocolate: Chopped and melted for that deep, irresistible cocoa flavor in the creamy filling.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds a velvety sweetness and helps the filling set just right.
Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavor, making the chocolate and cherries really shine.
Whipped cream: Folds into the chocolate mixture for cloud-like lightness and a silky finish.
Dark chocolate shavings: Sprinkled on top for a finishing touch of chocolate decadence and visual appeal.
Extra cherries: For garnishing—every slice looks like a celebration with a gleaming cherry on top!

How to Make No-Bake Black Forest Slice

Step 1: Line the Pan

Begin by lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides for easy removal later. This little extra step saves you from sticky situations—and ensures every slice lifts out looking pristine.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Base

In a medium bowl, mix your crushed chocolate cookies and melted unsalted butter until fully combined. The mixture should look a bit like wet sand and hold together when pressed. Firmly press it into the bottom of your prepared pan, taking care to create an even, compact layer. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you whip up the filling—this gives you a solid base that won’t crumble.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Mix the Filling

Set your chopped dark chocolate and sweetened condensed milk in a heatproof bowl. Gently melt them together over a saucepan of barely simmering water, or use short bursts in the microwave (20 seconds at a time), stirring until glossy and smooth. Take it off the heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and the chopped cherries. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes—it should be just warm to the touch, not hot.

Step 4: Fold in Whipped Cream

Once your chocolate mixture has cooled a little, gently fold in the whipped cream. This step transforms the filling into something gloriously light and mousse-like. Work gently to keep that airy texture intact. You’ll notice the filling becoming billowy and beautifully flecked with cherries.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Spread your chocolate-cherry filling evenly over the chilled cookie base, smoothing the top with a spatula. Next comes the fun part: scatter dark chocolate shavings generously over the top, and dot with extra cherries for that classic Black Forest look. Now, refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to ensure your No-Bake Black Forest Slice is perfectly set and easy to cut.

How to Serve No-Bake Black Forest Slice

Garnishes

Dress up your No-Bake Black Forest Slice with a flourish! A dusting of chocolate shavings makes each piece look like it came straight from a patisserie, while a fresh cherry (or two) perched on top is both playful and elegant. If you want to get extra fancy, a dribble of cherry syrup or a small piped swirl of whipped cream will take things over the top.

Side Dishes

This decadent slice shines brightest when served simply, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of lightly whipped cream on the side. A handful of fresh berries can bring a refreshing pop, and a strong coffee or espresso to sip alongside really brings out those deep chocolate notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Craving a showstopper for your dessert table? Try arranging the cut squares on a vintage cake stand, or pile them high on a rustic wooden board dotted with cherries and chocolate curls. For parties, you can even slice the No-Bake Black Forest Slice into bite-sized bars and skewer them with cocktail sticks for easy, portable treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

No-Bake Black Forest Slice keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just cover the pan with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The flavors deepen and the texture stays dreamy—the only challenge is not sneaking a piece every time you open the fridge!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this slice for longer storage. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or box. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge when a chocolate-cherry craving hits.

Reheating

Since the No-Bake Black Forest Slice is meant to be served chilled, there’s no need to reheat it! If it’s a little too firm right from the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?

Absolutely! If fresh cherries are in season, pit and chop them for a juicier, more vibrant cherry flavor. Just be sure to use sweet varieties, and consider adding a bit of extra sugar if needed.

Can I make this No-Bake Black Forest Slice gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap out the regular chocolate cookies for your favorite gluten-free chocolate cookies or biscuits. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t sacrifice any of the indulgence!

What type Dessert

A good quality dark chocolate between 60-70% cocoa melts well and delivers rich flavor without bitterness. Avoid chocolate chips, which often contain stabilizers.

How can I add a boozy twist?

If you’re looking for a more grown-up version, stir a tablespoon or two of cherry liqueur (like Kirsch) into the chocolate mixture before folding in the whipped cream. It really enhances the classic Black Forest vibe!

Why is my slice not setting properly?

This dessert sets thanks to the mingling of melted chocolate and whipped cream. If your slice is too soft, it may need more chilling time, or it’s possible that the whipped cream wasn’t stiff enough. Double-check your proportions, and be patient—chill it overnight for best results!

Final Thoughts

This No-Bake Black Forest Slice is pure dessert joy made easy: intensely chocolatey, studded with cherries, and oh-so-creamy, all without ever switching on your oven. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself, give it a try and enjoy a taste of classic Black Forest magic reinvented for today!

No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this No-Bake Black Forest Slice. A luscious combination of chocolate, cherries, and cream, all in a convenient slice form. Perfect for any dessert lover!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

200g chocolate cookies, crushed
100g unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

400g canned dark sweet cherries, drained and chopped
200g dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped cream

For Topping:

50g dark chocolate shavings
Extra cherries for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Base: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Mix crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter. Press into the pan to form a base. Chill in the refrigerator.
Make the Filling: Melt dark chocolate with sweetened condensed milk. Stir in vanilla extract and chopped cherries. Fold in whipped cream. Spread over the chilled base.
Chill and Serve: Top with chocolate shavings and cherries. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Slice and serve chilled.