Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake Recipe for a Spooky Treat

It was a rainy October evening when I decided to surprise my family with a Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake. Inspired by my love for quick, family-friendly recipes, I wanted something that was easy to make but full of drama. Layers of rich chocolate, tart cherry filling, and spooky decorations turned our ordinary weeknight into a celebration. This recipe is perfect for busy nights or special occasions, and everyone will love it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love decadent desserts that are both festive and easy to make, this Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe is for you. Inspired by traditional black forest cake recipes and the creativity of the Smitten Kitchen Black Forest Cake, this version features rich chocolate layers, tart cherry filling for black forest cake, and dramatic Halloween flair. Whether you’re using a black velvet cake box mix or baking from scratch, it’s quick, family-friendly, and perfect for any special occasion. Comparing black velvet cake vs red velvet cake, this recipe leans into deep chocolate richness while maintaining moist, tender layers. You’ll appreciate how the black red velvet cake recipe elements and best black velvet cake recipe techniques come together seamlessly. The result is a show-stopping dessert that’s customizable, delicious, and memorable, making this Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe an irresistible choice for busy weeknights, gatherings, or celebrations that demand a spooky, indulgent touch.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe combines rich chocolate layers with a tart cherry filling for black forest cake and a fluffy whipped cream frosting. The chocolate cake layers can be made from scratch or using a black velvet cake box mix, giving you flexibility while still achieving the deep, dark flavor that sets this cake apart from a standard red velvet or black velvet cake. The cherry filling balances the chocolate, while the whipped cream adds lightness. Optional decorations like chocolate shavings, black fondant, or Halloween sprinkles make this cake visually striking, perfect for spooky celebrations. Using these ingredients carefully ensures your Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe comes out moist, flavorful, and show-stopping every time.

🛒 Ingredients (9-inch two-layer cake):

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee

For the Cherry Filling:
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
2 tablespoons Kirsch (optional)

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:
Chocolate shavings or curls
Black icing or fondant for spooky designs
Edible spiders or Halloween sprinkles

How to Make This Recipe

Creating the perfect Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe is easier than it looks. Inspired by traditional black forest cake recipes and techniques from the Smitten Kitchen Black Forest Cake, this version combines deep chocolate layers with tart cherry filling for black forest cake, making it both decadent and festive. Whether you’re using a black velvet cake box mix or following the best black velvet cake recipe from scratch, this recipe balances rich chocolate with light whipped cream. If you’ve ever wondered about black velvet cake vs red velvet cake, this cake leans into dark, dramatic chocolate for the ultimate Halloween treat. The black red velvet cake recipe elements make it tender, moist, and ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

🛒 Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in hot coffee for a rich chocolate flavor.
5. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cakes cool completely, then slice each layer horizontally if desired.
7. Spread cherry filling for black forest cake between layers.
8. Frost the cake with whipped cream, smoothing the sides and top.
9. Decorate with chocolate shavings, black icing, or Halloween-themed sprinkles.
10. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to set layers and flavors.

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering the Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe is all about technique and attention to detail. Inspired by traditional black forest cake recipes and the Smitten Kitchen Black Forest Cake, these tips ensure your cake layers stay moist and chocolatey. When comparing black velvet cake vs red velvet cake, the key is choosing the right cocoa intensity and balancing sweetness with tart cherry filling for black forest cake. Whether using a black velvet cake box mix or following the best black velvet cake recipe from scratch, these expert tips will elevate your Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe to a show-stopping centerpiece.

💡 Expert Tips:

1. Always preheat your oven fully to ensure even baking of chocolate layers.
2. Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk for smoother batter and tender cake layers.
3. For richer flavor, stir hot coffee into the batter, enhancing the chocolate depth.
4. When using a black velvet cake box mix, follow the package directions but add an extra teaspoon of vanilla for extra flavor.
5. Make sure cherry filling for black forest cake is slightly drained to prevent soggy layers.
6. Frost with whipped cream only after cakes are completely cooled to maintain structure.
7. Chill the cake for at least an hour before decorating for cleaner, sharper Halloween designs.
8. For dramatic effect, contrast dark chocolate shavings with bright cherries for a true Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe presentation.

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The Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional black forest cake recipe, combining rich chocolate layers with tart cherry filling for black forest cake. Whether you use a black velvet cake box mix or follow the best black velvet cake recipe from scratch, this dessert is both impressive and approachable. Inspired by techniques from the Smitten Kitchen Black Forest Cake and considering black velvet cake vs red velvet cake differences, this cake is perfect for family celebrations, festive gatherings, or any special occasion where a show-stopping, spooky treat is desired.

Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A decadent twist on the classic Black Forest cake with dark chocolate layers, cherry filling, and whipped cream, all dressed in a Halloween theme. Perfect for parties, it can be decorated with edible spiders, black icing, or other spooky accents.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (9-inch two-layer cake):

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot coffee

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

• 2 tablespoons Kirsch (optional)

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

• Chocolate shavings or curls

• Black icing or fondant for spooky designs

• Edible spiders or Halloween sprinkles

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Bake Cake Layers

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir in hot coffee.

5. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool completely on wire racks.

Step 2: Prepare Whipped Cream

1. Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Chill until ready to use.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread cherry pie filling evenly on top (add Kirsch if using).

2. Pipe or spread a layer of whipped cream over the cherries.

3. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with remaining whipped cream.

Step 4: Decorate

 

• Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or curls.

• Pipe black icing in spiderwebs or other spooky patterns.

• Add edible spiders, candy bats, or Halloween sprinkles for a festive effect.

Notes

• Cherry Tip: Drain cherry pie filling slightly if it’s too runny to prevent soggy cake.
• Spooky Touch: Use black cocoa or activated charcoal in frosting for an extra “midnight” effect.
• Make Ahead: Cake can be assembled a few hours in advance; keep refrigerated until serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Category: Dessert / Themed Cake
• Method: Baked / Decorated
• Cuisine: American / Halloween