Dessert

Black Forest Loaf Cake Recipe

ByJake Silas December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

Introduction

This Black Forest loaf cake brings together rich chocolate, luscious cherries, and creamy topping in a delightful twist on the classic dessert. Moist and flavorful, it’s perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a special treat at home.

A rectangular chocolate cake sits on a white wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has one thick, dark brown layer with a soft texture. On top, there is a thick layer of smooth, creamy white whipped topping with gentle swirls. Bright red cherry sauce drips down the sides of the whipped layer, and whole dark red cherries are scattered on top evenly. The background includes a blurred red shirt and a white spoon in a white bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

175g butter, chopped
75g dark chocolate, chopped
300g self-raising flour
375g golden caster sugar
30g cocoa
2 large eggs
60ml milk
240g natural yogurt
1 jar or tin of pitted cherries (about 600g), syrup reserved
400ml double cream

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. Butter and line a 1.5kg loaf tin with baking parchment.
Step 2: Melt the butter and dark chocolate together in the microwave until smooth.
Step 3: Sieve the self-raising flour into a large bowl, then stir in the golden caster sugar and cocoa powder.
Step 4: Add the melted chocolate and butter mixture, eggs, milk, and 200g of the natural yogurt to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Use the back of a spoon to create eight small dips evenly spaced on the cake surface.
Step 6: Place 1 teaspoon of yogurt into each dip, then top each with a cherry.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Just before serving, beat the double cream with a whisk until stiff peaks form.
Step 10: Spoon dollops of the whipped cream on top of the cooled cake, scatter remaining cherries over it, and drizzle some reserved cherry syrup for extra flavor. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor, choose syrupy amarena cherries such as the Italian brand Fabbri 1905, known for their rich taste and pretty jars that you can reuse.
If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar by 50g without affecting the texture.
You can substitute natural yogurt with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.

Storage

Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bring to room temperature or warm gently before serving. The whipped cream is best enjoyed fresh, so consider adding it just before serving.