If you have a soft spot for luscious chocolate and fruity cherry treats but want to skip the oven, the No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant slice captures all the classic Black Forest cake flavors in a simple, chilled dessert that’s rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. From the crumbly cocoa-infused biscuit base to the luscious cherry-studded filling topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, every bite feels like a little celebration. Trust me, whether it’s for a casual afternoon tea or an impressive after-dinner treat, this slice is going to win hearts with zero baking required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe plays a crucial role, combining to create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re straightforward pantry staples with just a few fresh touches that help deliver that authentic Black Forest experience.
- Digestive biscuits (250g): The base’s sturdy yet crumbly texture depends on these, providing a lightly sweet and nutty foundation.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Binds the crushed biscuits into a firm base while adding richness.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Whipped into the filling, it brings smoothness and a light, airy texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and a creamy depth without extra fuss.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist; this brightens the filling and balances the chocolate’s richness.
- Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Dusts the biscuit base with that unmistakable dark chocolate aroma and taste.
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup): For topping, melting slightly into the whipped cream for indulgence.
- Canned or fresh cherries (1 1/2 cups, pitted): The star ingredient, providing bursts of juicy sweetness throughout the slice.
- Cherry juice (1 tbsp): Enhances the cherry flavor and moistens the filling beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, optional): For those extra-sweet teeth, this helps make the filling wonderfully luscious.
- Whipped cream: The crowning glory topping that adds lightness and elegance.
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate: Adds texture and visual appeal on top of the finished slice.
How to Make No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
Start by crushing your digestive biscuits into small, uneven pieces—keep some texture rather than powdering them completely. Then, mix the melted butter with cocoa powder until smooth, and pour it over the biscuits. Stir everything together so each piece is coated in that rich, chocolatey goodness. This step is what sets the stage for a satisfyingly crunchy yet moist base that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Step 2: Press the Base into the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper to make removing the slice super easy later. Firmly press the biscuit mixture into the base of the pan, making sure it’s even and compact so it holds up when sliced. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling—this step lets the butter solidify and bind the crumbs nicely.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
Whisk together heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and powdered sugar if you’re using it. Whip this mixture until smooth and silky. This creamy blend forms the luscious body of the slice—rich yet refreshingly tangy thanks to the sour cream, it balances out the sweetness and chocolate beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Cherries
Gently fold in your pitted cherries and the cherry juice into the creamy filling. The cherries provide delightful pops of fruity flavor that contrast so nicely with the cocoa base. Save a few cherries aside for decorating the top later—that final burst of color and flavor makes all the difference.
Step 5: Assemble the Slice
Pour the cherry cream mixture evenly over the chilled biscuit base. Use a spatula to smooth it into place, ensuring every corner gets some filling. At this point, the slice really starts taking shape, showcasing layers of texture and flavor that promise a beautiful balance.
Step 6: Chill
Refrigerate your assembled slice for at least 3 hours, or until the filling is firm to the touch. This waiting period lets the flavors marry and the filling set solidly—making those clean, perfect slices possible when serving.
Step 7: Top with Chocolate and Whipped Cream
Once your slice is nicely set, top with a generous layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle chocolate shavings or grated chocolate over the cream, then place the reserved cherries on top for a stunning finish. This topping adds both a luxurious texture and a gorgeous presentation that’s hard to resist.
Step 8: Serve
Slice your No-Bake Black Forest Slice into squares and serve chilled. Each bite delivers a harmonious mix of crumbly chocolate base, creamy cherry filling, and airy whipped cream—a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make yet feels special.
How to Serve No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated chocolate or a drizzle of cherry syrup amps up the visual appeal and adds layers of flavor. Fresh cherries or even a few mint leaves make a pretty, fresh garnish that invites everyone to dive in. These simple touches show just how easy it is to elevate your No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe presentation.
Side Dishes
This slice pairs beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of chilled dessert wine. For a lighter pairing, fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the dense and creamy texture without overwhelming it. The versatility in serving options makes it perfect for casual or more formal gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the slice in mini individual glasses or jars for an elegant dessert option at parties. You can also create layered parfaits by spooning the crumble and cherry cream mixture separately with whipped cream on top. This playful presentation lets guests savor the classic flavors in a fun new format while showcasing your talent with the No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe in style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
No worries if you have leftovers—store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers even tastier as the cherry filling continues to soak into the base.
Freezing
This slice can be frozen, but it’s best to wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture. Freezing is a great way to keep this No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe ready for unpredictable cravings.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, reheating isn’t recommended as it may cause the creamy filling to separate or melt. Serving it chilled straight from the fridge preserves the texture and the luscious balance of flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries add a wonderful natural sweetness and slight tartness. Just be sure to pit them well before folding them into the filling to avoid any surprises.
Is it possible to make this slice vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream for the heavy cream, vegan butter, and dairy-free yogurt. Keep the chocolate dairy-free too, and you’ll have a delicious vegan-friendly version.
How long does it take for the slice to set properly?
Chilling for at least 3 hours is essential so the filling firms up nicely and the base stays crisp yet tender. Overnight chilling is even better if you can wait.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Definitely! Toasted almonds or hazelnuts sprinkled over the top add a fantastic crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and juicy cherries.
What can I substitute if I don’t have digestive biscuits?
Plain tea biscuits, graham crackers, or even crushed vanilla cookies can work well as a base substitute. Just adjust the butter amount slightly if your chosen biscuit is sweeter or more crumbly.
Final Thoughts
The No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe is a delightfully simple dessert that brings all the elegance and charm of a classic Black Forest cake without turning on your oven. Whether you’re treating friends or just spoiling yourself, this slice manages to be comforting and impressive at the same time. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this quick, luscious indulgence in your recipe arsenal.
Print
No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Bake Black Forest Slice is a luscious, easy-to-make dessert that captures the classic flavors of Black Forest cake without any baking. Featuring a crunchy biscuit base coated with cocoa butter, a creamy cherry-infused filling, and topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries, this slice is perfect for a refreshing treat or party dessert.
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
- 250g digestive biscuits (or any plain biscuits), crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Creamy Cherry Filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 1/2 cups canned or fresh cherries, pitted (reserve some for topping)
- 1 tbsp cherry juice (or juice from canned cherries)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for topping)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (for topping)
- Reserved cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Biscuit Base: In a large bowl, crush the digestive biscuits into small pieces, ensuring they are not completely powdered. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with cocoa powder until smooth, then pour this mixture over the crushed biscuits. Stir thoroughly until all biscuit pieces are evenly coated with the cocoa butter mix.
- Press the Base into the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Firmly press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of the pan to create a solid, even base. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.
- Make the Creamy Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and optional powdered sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a creamy texture.
- Add the Cherries: Gently fold the pitted cherries and cherry juice into the creamy filling mixture, ensuring cherries are evenly distributed for flavor bursts without breaking them apart.
- Assemble the Slice: Remove the biscuit base from the refrigerator and pour the creamy cherry filling on top. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly over the biscuit base.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled slice for at least 3 hours, allowing the filling to set firmly for easy slicing.
- Top with Chocolate and Whipped Cream: Once the slice has set, spread or pipe whipped cream on top, sprinkle chocolate shavings or grated chocolate, and arrange the reserved cherries as a garnish for an attractive finish.
- Serve: Cut the slice into 12-16 squares and serve chilled for a delightful dessert experience combining chocolate, cream, and cherry flavors.
Notes
- Use sour cream or Greek yogurt depending on your preference for tanginess in the filling.
- Reserve some cherries before mixing in to ensure you have fresh garnish for presentation.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using bittersweet cocoa powder and dark chocolate shavings.
- Ensure biscuit pieces are crushed to small chunks for texture but not powdery to maintain crunchiness in the base.
- Keep the dessert refrigerated until serving to maintain the firmness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: European
