Picture this: you are served a Black Forest Sundae while sitting in an ice cream parlor in Bavaria. It is hot, and you cool down with this cold, rich chocolate ice cream that is melting into the tart cherry compote. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, you are savouring every bite.
No need to travel to Germany, because now you can recreate the authentic Schwarzwaldbecher (Black Forest Sundae) wherever you are. Best of all? It only takes 15 minutes.
What is a Black Forest Sundae?
A Black Forest Sundae is a classic German ice cream dessert known as Schwarzwaldbecher (translated as "Black Forest Cup") or Schwarzwaldeisbecher ("Black Forest Ice Cream Cup"). It is a deconstructed version of the famous Schwarzwälderkirschtorte (Black Forest Cake) - a traditional German cake made with chocolate and cream and filled with cherries and Kirsch liqueur.
You will find this on the menu of almost all the ice cream parlours in Germany, together with other popular sundaes such as the Strawberry Sundae (Erdbeerbecher), Spaghetti Ice Cream, and German Iced Coffee (Eiskaffee).
Ingredients you'll need
For the detailed instructions and exact measurements, please jump to the printable recipe card
- For the cherry sundae toppings: Cherries, water, cornstarch/flour, sugar and vanilla extract (affiliate link)
- For the whipped cream: Heavy or whipping cream, sugar and vanilla extract (affiliate link)
- To assemble the cherry sundae: ice creams: vanilla and chocolate, black chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
Black Forest Sundae Recipe Steps
- Step 1: Cherry Sundae Sauce - Boil the liquid (cherry juice + water or just water), mix cornstarch with sugar and vanilla into a paste, stir into boiling liquid until thickened, then add cherries and warm through.
- Step 2: Whip the Cream - Beat chilled whipping cream with vanilla and sugar until soft peaks form, then refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 3: Assemble the Sundae - Layer cherry compote, vanilla ice cream, more cherries, chocolate ice cream, then top with whipped cream, a cherry, and chocolate shavings.
Variations and Substitutions
- make an alcoholic version: by pouring some kirsch onto the sundae. Amaretto (affiliate link) is also a popular choice for this ice cream.
- try our different ice cream flavours: You can add any ice cream flavour your want. Chocolate is traditional but Cherry or even a almond ice cream would work well.
- Save time: by using whipped cream from a can, and instead of cherry compote use cherries in syrup and spoon over the syrup as sauce.
ice cream sundae with cherry on top
Tips for Success
This black forest sundae recipe is pretty easy and straightforward. However I recommend that you wait until the last moment to take the ice cream out of the freezer, as it melts faster than you think. Prepare the cherry sundae sauce and whipped cream first.
Prepare Ahead:
You can prepare the cherry sundae topping and the whipped cream up to two days in advance. Just refrigerate in an airtight container until needed.
More German Ice Cream Desserts
Have you made this recipe?
I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a rating and comment below.
You'll help fellow readers enjoy it too and help me spread the word about German cuisine. - Marita x
Recipe
Black Forest Sundae (Schwarzwaldbecher)
Equipment
- 4 dessert bowls or tall glasses
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) cherries use fresh pitted cherries, canned cherries or frozen cherries (defrosted).
- 2 cups (500 g) water if you are using canned cherries, you can use the juice from the jar
- 3 tablespoon (3 tablespoon) cornstarch/ cornflour use less if you like it to be more liquidy, use more if you like your compote to be firmer
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoon (4 tablespoon) granulated sugar
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cups (250 g) heavy cream or whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoon (4 tablespoon) sugar
For the Sundae
- 4 scoops (4 scoops) vanilla ice cream
- 4 scoops (4 scoops ) chocolate ice cream
- 4 teaspoon (4 teaspoon) chocolate shavings or sprinkles
- 4 (4) cherries fresh for the top - but this is optional
Instructions
Making the Cherry Compote Sauce
- If using canned cherries, drain the jar but keep the juice. Add water to the juice that that you have 2 cups/500ml of liquid. If using frozen cherries, use water instead.2 cups water, 3 tablespoon cornstarch/ cornflour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (affiliate link), 4 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 lb cherries
- Remove 6 tablespoons of liquid and mix with the cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla extract (affiliate link) to form a thick paste.
- Heat the remaining liquid in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the cornstarch paste. Stir continuously with a whisk.
- Place back on the heat and boil for another 1-2 minutes. The liquid will become thick and paste-like.
- Add the cherries and warm through. Leave to cool and refrigiate until needed
Making the Whipped Cream
- Pour the chilled cream, vanilla extract (affiliate link), and sugar into a tall mixing bowl.1 cups heavy cream, 4 tablespoon sugar, 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Beat the mixture, gradually increasing the speed until soft peaks form and the cream holds its shape.
- Store in the fridge until ready to use.
To Assemble the Sundae
- Add a layer of cherry compote to the bottom of a dessert glass or bowl.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.1 teaspoon vanilla extract (affiliate link)
- Add another layer of cherries, then finish with a final scoop of chocolate ice cream.4 scoops chocolate ice cream
- Pipe or spoon the whipped cream on top.
- Crown your sundae with a cherry on top and drizzle with compote sauce. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.4 teaspoon chocolate shavings or sprinkles, 4 cherries
Kerstin says
Ich habe alles veganisiert und habe die Kalorien auf halb runter gesetzt und das ganze gesundheitlich besser gemacht. Kein Mensch hat gewußt das es vegan ist.
Übrigens ich wohne in Florida und bin seit 30 Jahren vegan und sehr gesund
Marita Sinden says
Danke Kerstin! Das hört sich sehr lecker an.