If you’re searching for an irresistibly easy dessert that’s a true show-stopper, look no further than this No-Bake Black Forest Slice. Layers of crushed chocolate biscuits, luscious cherry filling, and billowy cream, all topped with a glossy chocolate shell, combine to create a treat that feels both nostalgic and a little bit indulgent. This delightful recipe transforms a classic Black Forest cake into a quick, no-fuss slice that’s ideal for any occasion—no oven required!

No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the No-Bake Black Forest Slice is that each ingredient plays a memorable role. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few luscious extras, you’ll whip up something spectacular with minimal effort. Here’s why each star makes this slice sing:

Crushed chocolate biscuits or cookies (2 cups): These form the base and deliver a deep cocoa crunch that perfectly supports all the creamy layers.
Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Binding the base together while adding needed richness and stability—plus a subtle buttery note.
Cream cheese, softened (1 package or 8 oz): Offers that signature tang and makes the filling luxuriously smooth and creamy.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling just right, without graininess, keeping the texture cloud-like.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends warmth and depth, bringing out the best in every other ingredient.
Heavy cream, whipped (1 1/2 cups): The secret to that dreamy, light filling that contrasts perfectly with the dense chocolate base.
Canned cherry pie filling (1 cup, plus extra for topping): The star fruit element; its tart sweetness and syrupy goodness are what make this slice classic Black Forest.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): For an ultra-smooth chocolate topping with just the right blend of sweet and bitter.
Vegetable oil (2 teaspoons): Ensures the melted chocolate pours and slices easily—no cracking here!
Chocolate shavings (for garnish): Adds restaurant-style flair, crunch, and an extra hit of chocolate decadence.

How to Make No-Bake Black Forest Slice

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Begin by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper—trust me, this makes removing your slice a complete breeze later on. Mix together your crushed chocolate biscuits and melted butter until they’re fully combined, then press the blend firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish. This forms that rich, chocolatey foundation and needs to chill in the fridge while you work on that dreamy filling.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is totally smooth. The key here is to make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, so everything blends together effortlessly without lumps. Once smooth, gently fold in the whipped heavy cream using a spatula. The result? A filling that’s both airy and creamy, ready to layer!

Step 3: Layer the Cream and Cherries

Spread half of your prepared cream mixture over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing it right into the corners. Then, spoon that glorious cherry pie filling all over, spreading it for even coverage. Every bite will burst with juicy cherry flavor! Now, gently top everything with the rest of the cream mixture and smooth the surface—no need to be too fussy, just aim for a nice, even layer.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until it’s luxuriously melted and silky. Pour this chocolate topping all over the cream layer, coaxing it into the corners for that perfect sheen. It will set up like a delicious chocolate shell in the fridge.

Step 5: Chill Until Set

Now comes the hard part: waiting! Pop your assembled slice into the fridge for at least four hours, or overnight if you can bear it. This chill time allows all the layers to marry and firm up, making it super easy to slice and serve later on.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once set, lift your No-Bake Black Forest Slice out of the dish using the parchment paper. Dollop a little extra cherry pie filling on top, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, and slice into squares. Each bite is creamy, rich, and beautifully balanced with sweet cherry tang and chocolate crunch!

How to Serve No-Bake Black Forest Slice

Garnishes

The finishing touches really take No-Bake Black Forest Slice from simply delicious to downright stunning! For added drama, top each square with a juicy spoonful of cherry pie filling and a generous snowfall of chocolate shavings. A few whole fresh cherries, if they’re in season, make a gorgeous addition too.

Side Dishes

While this slice can absolutely shine on its own, it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream on the side. For a fresh twist, try serving it with a small salad of mixed berries or a crisp espresso to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For family parties or picnics, serve the No-Bake Black Forest Slice in cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go portions. Dress it up for a fancy gathering by plating each slice on a drizzle of cherry sauce with extra curls of chocolate on the plate. Or make mini versions in muffin tins for bite-sized treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just cover the dish tightly or transfer the slices to an airtight container. No-Bake Black Forest Slice keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining its creamy texture and intense chocolate-cherry flavor.

Freezing

Want to make ahead or save a few slices for later? You’re in luck: this dessert freezes surprisingly well! Place cut pieces between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

There’s no need for the microwave with this gem! Simply serve the No-Bake Black Forest Slice chilled straight from the fridge or allow it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften just slightly. The chocolate shell will remain glossy and the filling perfectly sliceable.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! If you can get your hands on fresh or jarred morello cherries, just pit and chop them and cook them down with a bit of sugar to create a syrupy filling. The flavor will be less sweet and more tart, which is delicious if you love a tangy twist.

What type Dessert

The most classic choice is a plain chocolate cookie, like chocolate graham crackers or digestive biscuits, for a not-too-sweet crust. But any chocolate wafer, Oreo (without filling), or chocolate shortbread will work just as well and bring their own unique flavor to your No-Bake Black Forest Slice.

Can I make this slice gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the chocolate biscuits for your favorite gluten-free cookies. Make sure all other ingredients, especially the chocolate chips and pie filling, are certified gluten-free if you’re serving this to someone sensitive to gluten.

How do I get clean slices?

For neat and tidy squares, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Lining your pan with parchment paper really helps ensure the layers stay perfect when lifting out the whole slice to cut.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

You sure can! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger pan, like a 9×13-inch dish. The chilling time might increase a little to ensure the filling firms up, but you’ll have plenty of No-Bake Black Forest Slice to share with family and friends.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress with minimal effort, this No-Bake Black Forest Slice should be on your must-make list. It’s nostalgic, dramatic, and incredibly delicious—perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying a chocolate cherry craving. Let me know how your version turns out, and enjoy every creamy, chocolatey bite!

No-Bake Black Forest Slice Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 16 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of a classic Black Forest Cake with this no-bake slice recipe. A buttery chocolate biscuit base layered with creamy cherry filling and topped with rich chocolate ganache.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

2 cups crushed chocolate biscuits or cookies
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, whipped
1 cup canned cherry pie filling (plus extra for topping)

For the Chocolate Topping:

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Chocolate shavings for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Base: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Mix crushed chocolate biscuits with melted butter, press into the base, and chill.
Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream. Spread half over the base, add cherry filling, then top with remaining cream mixture.
Add the Topping: Melt chocolate chips with oil, pour over the top, and refrigerate until firm.
Serve: Garnish with cherry pie filling and chocolate shavings before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate for the topping.
Fresh or jarred morello cherries can be used instead of canned for a less sweet option.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: European-inspired, German-inspired