There’s something about the combination of chocolate, cherries, and cream that just feels like a holiday celebration. And if you’re a fan of Black Forest cake, this Black Forest wreath recipe is a fun, visually stunning twist on the classic dessert, with the added bonus of being incredibly simple to put together. Picture this: layers of fluffy chocolate sponge, velvety whipped cream, and juicy cherries, all arranged in a beautiful wreath shape. It’s a centerpiece that not only looks impressive but is also delightfully easy to make—perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or just a special family treat.

A little story behind Black Forest desserts

The Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) hails from Germany’s Black Forest region and traditionally features layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and sour cherries, often flavored with kirsch, a cherry brandy. However, this wreath version skips the alcohol and simplifies the process, making it more accessible for home cooks. The result is a dessert that captures the spirit of Black Forest flavors but with a lighter, fresher feel—ideal for those times when you want a dessert that looks like you put in way more effort than you actually did!

Why you’ll love these ingredients

Cherries in syrup

These cherries add a burst of tart, juicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate sponge rolls. Morello cherries are perfect for this dessert because they have a more robust, slightly sour taste that balances out the cream and chocolate. If you can’t find Morello cherries, you could use any canned or jarred sour cherries—just be sure they’re in syrup, not juice, so you can make the cherry sauce.

Thickened and double cream

The combination of thickened cream and double cream gives the topping a rich, luxurious texture that holds its shape well. Thickened cream has a higher fat content, making it perfect for whipping, while double cream adds an extra level of indulgence. If you don’t have access to double cream, you can substitute with more thickened cream, but the topping may be slightly less rich.

Mini chocolate sponge rolls

These pre-made chocolate sponge rolls are what make this dessert so easy to assemble. They add the perfect amount of chocolatey goodness and eliminate the need for baking. If you can’t find mini chocolate rolls, you could use any chocolate sponge cake or even brownies—just cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.

Shaved chocolate

A sprinkle of shaved chocolate on top adds a lovely finishing touch. The chocolate shavings melt ever so slightly into the whipped cream, adding a touch of richness without overpowering the cherries. You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference.

Essential kitchen tools for this recipe

Electric beaters: Whipping cream by hand is totally doable, but electric beaters make it so much easier and faster, especially when you’re aiming for firm peaks.
Small saucepan: You’ll need this to reduce the cherry syrup with the sugar, which adds a beautiful concentrated cherry flavor to drizzle over the wreath.
Piping bag with a fluted nozzle: This makes it easy to pipe the cream neatly onto the wreath. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag with a corner cut off—it won’t be as precise, but it will still look lovely.
Large round platter: Since this is a wreath-shaped dessert, a large round platter or plate helps showcase it beautifully.

Step-by-step: How to make this Black Forest wreath

Step 1: Make the cherry syrup

Start by draining the jar of cherries, but don’t toss out that syrup! Measure out 125ml (or ½ cup) of the syrup and pour it into a small saucepan. Add the caster sugar, then cook over low heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Once dissolved, increase the heat and let it come to a boil. Simmer for about 2 minutes—this thickens the syrup slightly, giving it a more intense flavor. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool. You want it to be completely cool before drizzling it over the cream.

Step 2: Whip the creams together

Grab a mixing bowl and add both the thickened cream and the double cream. Using your electric beaters, whip the cream mixture until you see firm peaks. You’re looking for a texture that’s thick enough to hold its shape but still soft and fluffy. Over-whipping can lead to a grainy texture, so keep an eye on it—when the beaters start leaving clear, defined peaks, you’re good to go.

Step 3: Arrange the mini rolls

Take your mini chocolate sponge rolls and slice each one into three even portions. Arrange these cut pieces on a large round platter in a wreath shape, with the cut sides facing up. This creates a stable base for your cream and toppings, plus it looks lovely with all those little chocolate spirals.

Step 4: Pipe the cream and decorate

Now for the fun part! Spoon your whipped cream into the piping bag fitted with a fluted nozzle. Pipe a peak of cream onto each mini roll slice, and then fill in any gaps between the slices with more cream. This way, the entire wreath is covered with beautiful cream peaks. Once that’s done, top the cream with your drained cherries, arranging them evenly across the wreath. Drizzle the cooled cherry syrup over the top and finish it all off with a generous sprinkle of shaved chocolate. Voila! Your Black Forest wreath is ready to impress.

Variations and adaptations for all tastes

Gluten-free option: Look for gluten-free chocolate sponge cakes or brownies, which are widely available at most supermarkets. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
Vegan version: Use coconut cream or a vegan whipping cream in place of the dairy creams, and check that your chocolate sponge rolls are vegan-friendly (or make your own using a vegan chocolate cake recipe). For the chocolate shavings, choose a dairy-free dark chocolate.
Add some crunch: If you like a bit of texture, sprinkle toasted almonds or crushed hazelnuts on top with the chocolate shavings.
Berry twist: Try using a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries if you’re not a fan of cherries. You can use berry syrup or make a quick berry compote to drizzle over the cream.
Holiday flavors: For a Christmas twist, add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the whipped cream, or sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top.

How to serve and present your Black Forest wreath

When it comes to presentation, this wreath is a showstopper on its own. Place it in the center of the table, and let everyone marvel at its beauty before digging in! If you want to get extra fancy, you can garnish with a few sprigs of fresh mint or edible gold dust for a festive look. Since the wreath is already full of bold flavors, it pairs well with light side dishes like a simple fruit salad or crisp biscotti.

Drink pairings

For a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and cream, serve this dessert with a non-alcoholic sparkling cherry soda or Italian soda. The fizziness complements the creaminess of the wreath and enhances the cherry flavors. Another great option is an iced hibiscus tea with a squeeze of lime—it has a tartness that echoes the Morello cherries. If you’re serving this during the holidays, consider a warm spiced apple cider. The cozy spices like cinnamon and cloves will play beautifully with the dessert’s flavors, making the whole experience feel extra festive.

Storing and reheating tips

This Black Forest wreath is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just be aware that the whipped cream may lose some of its shape over time. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the cream can separate once thawed, which affects both texture and appearance. If you’re planning to make it ahead, you can prepare the cherry syrup and whip the cream a few hours in advance, then assemble just before serving.

Adjusting the recipe for different serving sizes

This recipe makes a large wreath that serves about 10-12 people. If you’re hosting a smaller gathering, you can easily halve the recipe. Just use one packet of mini chocolate sponge rolls and half the amount of cream and cherries. If you want to go bigger (for a crowd), simply double everything and arrange two wreaths side by side, or make one larger wreath with more layers.

Common questions about this recipe

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of jarred ones?
A: Fresh cherries can work, but they won’t have the same intense flavor as jarred Morello cherries. If you use fresh, consider making a cherry compote to add extra flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have a piping bag?
A: No problem! Just spoon the whipped cream onto the cake pieces. It won’t look as precise, but it will still taste amazing.

Q: How far in advance can I make this?
A: You can make the cherry syrup and whip the cream a few hours ahead, but I recommend assembling the wreath just before serving for the best texture.

Q: Can I add chocolate sauce instead of shaved chocolate?
A: Definitely! A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can add extra decadence, but be careful not to overpower the cherry flavor.

Q: Is there a way to make this wreath lighter?
A: You can reduce the amount of whipped cream or use a lighter dairy alternative like Greek yogurt for part of the cream if you prefer.