Name: Easy Black Forest Wreath
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: German-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 chocolate cake (bundt, tube, or round – homemade or store-bought); 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or canned cherries in syrup; 2 cups whipped cream (stabilized or homemade); 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or curls; Optional: 2 tbsp kirsch or cherry liqueur; Optional garnish: fresh cherries, powdered sugar, mint leaves

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This Easy Black Forest Wreath is a stunning holiday dessert that brings together all the flavors I love from the classic Black Forest cake—chocolate, whipped cream, and cherries—shaped into a beautiful, festive wreath. It’s rich, creamy, and irresistibly indulgent, yet surprisingly simple to assemble with store-bought shortcuts and a bit of creativity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it looks like a showstopper but comes together without the fuss. The wreath shape makes it perfect for a holiday table centerpiece, and every slice delivers that classic Black Forest flavor. I can prep it ahead of time, customize the toppings, and it always gets rave reviews from guests.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate cake (store-bought, from a mix, or homemade)
Cherry pie filling or canned cherries in syrup
Whipped cream (stabilized or homemade)
Chocolate shavings or curls
Optional: kirsch or cherry liqueur (for a traditional touch)
Optional garnish: fresh cherries, powdered sugar, mint leaves

Directions

I bake a chocolate cake in a bundt pan or tube pan, then let it cool completely. If I’m using a round cake, I cut out a small center to shape it into a wreath.
I carefully slice the cake horizontally into two layers.
I spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom half, followed by spoonfuls of cherry filling.
I place the top half of the cake back on and gently press to secure.
I cover the top with more whipped cream, using a spatula or piping bag to create swirls or rosettes.
I decorate with more cherries, chocolate shavings, and optional garnishes like mint leaves or powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
I chill the wreath in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld and make slicing easier.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 servings. It takes 10–15 minutes to prep (if the cake is pre-baked) and 1 hour to chill. Total time: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Variations

I use chocolate sponge cake rolls to form a wreath by arranging them in a circle and filling with whipped cream and cherries.
I drizzle melted chocolate or ganache over the top for extra richness.
For a lighter version, I use angel food cake with dark cherries and whipped coconut cream.
I make mini wreaths using cupcakes arranged in a circle and decorated the same way.

Storage/Reheating

I store the finished wreath in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled. I don’t recommend freezing it once assembled, as whipped cream and cherries don’t freeze well together. Easy Black Forest Wreath

FAQs

Can I make this a day ahead?

Yes, I often assemble the cake the night before and store it in the fridge. It holds up beautifully and slices even better the next day.

Do I have to use cherry liqueur?

No, it’s totally optional. I skip it for a family-friendly version, or brush a bit on the cake layers for an authentic Black Forest flavor.

What kind of chocolate cake works best?

I prefer a moist, rich chocolate cake—either homemade or from a box mix. A simple bundt or round cake works perfectly for the wreath shape.

Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?

Yes, stabilized whipped topping (like Cool Whip) works great and holds up well if I need to make it ahead.

How do I make chocolate shavings?

I use a vegetable peeler to shave a chocolate bar, or I chop it finely with a sharp knife for a rustic look.

Conclusion

This Easy Black Forest Wreath is the perfect blend of festive presentation and classic dessert flavor. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with cherries and chocolate—just what I crave during the holidays. Whether I’m serving it for Christmas dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this wreath always brings joy to the table.