What makes the Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe different from a traditional black forest cake recipe?

This version features deep, dark chocolate layers and festive Halloween decorations while maintaining the rich flavors of cherry filling for black forest cake. Inspired by the Smitten Kitchen Black Forest Cake, it combines classic techniques with a spooky twist perfect for celebrations.

Can I use a black velvet cake box mix for this recipe?

Yes, a black velvet cake box mix works well, providing rich, moist layers while saving time. You can still enhance it with cherry filling for black forest cake to maintain the authentic flavor.

How does black velvet cake vs red velvet cake compare in this recipe?

Black velvet cake is richer and darker, while red velvet is lighter with a mild cocoa flavor. For the Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe, black velvet cake delivers dramatic, deep chocolate layers perfect for the spooky theme.

What’s the best way to assemble the cake with cherry filling for black forest cake?

Layer the cooled chocolate cakes with cherry filling in between, spreading evenly. Top with whipped cream and optional decorations. This ensures balanced flavor and a striking presentation for your Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake recipe.

Halloween Midnight Black Forest Cake Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 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

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Bake Cake Layers

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans.
In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir in hot coffee.
Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely on wire racks.

Step 2: Prepare Whipped Cream

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

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread cherry pie filling evenly on top (add Kirsch if using).
Pipe or spread a layer of whipped cream over the cherries.
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