Description
This Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Cake combines rich chocolate cake layers with a creamy cheesecake middle, topped with luscious cherry pie filling, semisweet chocolate chips, and optional walnuts. A perfect dessert offering the classic flavors of Black Forest in a moist, layered cake format.
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 of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 (12-ounce) can of cherry pie filling
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake First Cake Layer: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled first cake layer in the pan, creating a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Add Toppings: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and optional chopped walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
- Complete Cake with Remaining Batter: Carefully pour the remaining half of the cake batter over the entire top, covering the toppings. Be gentle to keep layers intact.
- Bake Final Cake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the cake is fully set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan at room temperature before slicing and serving. This ensures clean slices and set layers.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Optional walnuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor if desired.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to maintain clean layers.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
