If you adore the classic flavors of chocolate and cherries paired with a luscious, creamy texture, then you are in for a treat with this No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe! This delightful dessert brings together the crunch of a cocoa-infused biscuit base with a dreamy cherry-filled cream layer, all without firing up the oven. It’s a perfect no-fuss way to enjoy the essence of a Black Forest cake in a convenient, refrigerator-ready slice that tastes like pure indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe relies on simple, every-day ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich and textured dessert. Each element plays a key role, from the buttery biscuit base giving structure and crunch, to the velvety cherry cream that adds a refreshing zing and smoothness.
- Digestive biscuits (250g): These crushed biscuits form the crunchy yet tender base that anchors the whole slice.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Butter binds the biscuit crumbs together and adds richness.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): For a creamy, luscious filling that’s airy yet substantial.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Sweetens and thickens the cream filling for a silky texture.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and enriches the flavor.
- Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Mixed into the butter for a deep chocolate flavor right in the base.
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup): For topping, adding a melty burst of chocolate goodness.
- Cherries, canned or fresh (1 1/2 cups, pitted): The star ingredient providing juicy bursts of tartness throughout the cream layer.
- Cherry juice (1 tbsp): Enhances the cherry flavor in the filling for that authentic Black Forest vibe.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, optional): Adds extra sweetness if you prefer a sweeter cream.
- Whipped cream: For the top layer, light and fluffy to complement the rich filling.
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate: For garnish, creating a beautiful, textured finish.
How to Make No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
Start by crushing your digestive biscuits into small pieces—think crunchy bits, not fine crumbs—for some texture in the base. Mix the melted butter with cocoa powder until smooth, then thoroughly coat your crushed biscuits in this chocolaty mixture. This ensures your base will hold together well and infuse every bite with that rich chocolate note.
Step 2: Press the Base into the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper and press the biscuit mixture firmly into the bottom. Creating an even, compact layer is key to a stable base that supports the creamy filling beautifully. Pop this in the fridge to chill while you move on to the next part.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a clean bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth. Adding powdered sugar here is optional, depending on your sweetness preference. This combination produces a rich, silky filling that is perfectly tangy and sweet, ready to be complemented by juicy cherries.
Step 4: Add the Cherries
Gently fold the pitted cherries and cherry juice into the creamy mixture. The cherries provide bursts of juicy flavor that surprise your taste buds with every bite. Leaving some cherries aside for decoration is a smart idea to make the final slice look irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble the Slice
Pour the cherry cream mixture evenly over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing it out with a spatula so every square slice will have a consistent layer of luscious filling. This is where the magic happens as your No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe starts to take shape!
Step 6: Chill
Refrigerate the assembled slice for at least three hours. This chilling time is essential so the filling sets perfectly firm and the flavors meld together, making slicing neat and serving effortless.
Step 7: Top with Chocolate and Whipped Cream
Once firm, add a generous layer of whipped cream on top, then scatter chocolate shavings and those reserved cherries over the cream. These final touches not only make the dessert look stunning, but also elevate the classic Black Forest flavor profile.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Cut into neat squares and serve chilled. Each slice delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors—crunchy, creamy, tart, and chocolatey—that’s sure to win over anyone’s heart at the table.
How to Serve No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, fresh cherries and dark chocolate shavings on top bring color and texture. A light dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and visual charm that makes this dessert truly pop.
Side Dishes
This slice pairs beautifully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine also complements the rich cherries and chocolate flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these slices in clear dessert glasses for a mini trifle effect, or serve them on decorative plates with a drizzle of cherry sauce or melted chocolate. Adding a sprig of mint adds freshness and a burst of green that contrasts nicely with the deep reds and browns.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe will keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s wrapped or stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so no reheating is required. Instead, simply allow frozen slices to thaw slowly in the fridge for the perfect creamy and refreshing treat.
FAQs
Can I use different biscuits for the base?
Absolutely! While digestive biscuits give the classic crumbly texture, you could use graham crackers or any plain tea biscuits. Just ensure they’re crushed finely enough to hold together well with the butter.
What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I use something else?
Yes, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute, offering a similar tangy flavor and creamy consistency that complements the sweet cherry filling beautifully.
Can this slice be made vegan?
With a few swaps like vegan butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free condensed milk alternatives, you can create a delicious vegan version, though expect some difference in texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the cherries from making the filling too watery?
Drain canned cherries well and pat fresh cherries dry before adding. The cherry juice enhances flavor, but limiting excess liquid helps keep the filling thick and set properly.
Is it necessary to chill for 3 hours?
Chilling for at least 3 hours ensures the filling firms up fully for easy slicing. Shorter chilling times might result in a runnier texture that’s harder to serve neatly.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe is a true gem perfect for sharing with friends and family when you want something sweet and impressive without the fuss of baking. Its rich layers of chocolate and cherries are comforting yet fresh, making every bite an absolute joy. I encourage you to try this recipe—you might find it becoming your go-to dessert for any occasion!
Print
No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: European
Description
This No-Bake Black Forest Slice is a decadent, easy-to-make dessert combining a rich chocolate biscuit base with a creamy cherry filling. Perfectly balanced with sweet, tangy cherries and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this slice requires no baking and only a few hours of chilling time for a luscious treat.
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
- 250g digestive biscuits (or any plain biscuits), crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Creamy 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)
Topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for topping)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (for topping)
- Reserved cherries from filling
Instructions
- Prepare the Biscuit Base: In a large bowl, crush the digestive biscuits into small pieces, but not too fine. In another bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with cocoa powder until combined. Pour this chocolate butter mixture over the crushed biscuits and stir thoroughly to coat all the biscuit pieces.
- Press the Base into the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Transfer the biscuit mixture into the pan and press firmly and evenly to create a solid base. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Creamy Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and powdered sugar if using, until smooth and homogeneous. This mixture forms the creamy base of the filling.
- Add the Cherries: Gently fold the pitted cherries and cherry juice into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking the cherries too much to retain texture and flavor bursts in the filling.
- Assemble the Slice: Remove the biscuit base from the refrigerator and pour the creamy cherry filling evenly over it. Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly and cover the biscuit base completely.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled slice for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to set firmly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Top with Chocolate and Whipped Cream: Once the slice is well set, spread whipped cream over the top, sprinkle with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate, and arrange the reserved cherries as garnish for an attractive and delicious finish.
- Serve: Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the luscious combination of creamy cherry filling and chocolate biscuit base in every bite!
Notes
- Use good-quality dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Greek yogurt will add more tang compared to sour cream in the filling.
- For an extra chocolatey topping, melt the chocolate chips and drizzle them over the whipped cream instead of using them whole.
- Ensure chilling time is sufficient for the filling to firm up properly for clean slicing.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
