What cake brings back the best memories for me? Without a doubt, it’s Black Forest. There’s something about it that instantly stirs up a warm, familiar feeling. For me, it’s more than just dessert—it’s part of my childhood. That mix of soft chocolate sponge, light whipped cream, sweet cherries, and those curls of chocolate on top—it was simple but special. Growing up in Jakarta in the ‘90s and early 2000s, it felt like every bakery had their own version, and I think it was always the first cake people thought of when planning a celebration.

These days, there are so many new desserts around. From burnt cheesecake and brownies to tiramisu, the options are endless. And while I enjoy trying the latest food trends, there’s something about Black Forest that still feels right. Maybe it’s the mix of flavors, or maybe it’s just the memories that come with it. But I honestly believe it has what it takes to make a big comeback. If tiramisu can go viral, why not Black Forest? It’s rich, beautiful, and full of charm—and it photographs really well too.

Lately, I’ve been happy to see some Jakarta bakeries bringing back the Black Forest cake. Some keep it traditional, with a homemade touch that reminds me of the past. Others add their own modern spin—a new shape, a little twist in the flavor, or make it plant-based. And honestly, it’s nice to see an old favorite being loved again in different ways. So if you’re feeling the craving—or you just want to revisit a forgotten favorite—here are some of the best places in Jakarta to find a slice of Black Forest that hits the sweet spot:

Better Chocolate Than Never

Located in Panglima Polim, this café is a haven for dark chocolate lovers. Their Black Forest cake is a standout—rich, moist, and layered with dark cherries soaked in rum, wrapped in velvety dark chocolate frosting. It’s a modern take on the classic, with a deep cocoa flavor that doesn’t overpower.

Fraiche Bakes

 

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Fraiche Bakes is known for its elegant, minimalist cakes with a focus on flavor balance. Their Black Forest cake is light and refined, with airy sponge layers, subtle cherry notes, and a whipped cream that’s balanced. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for something classic but not too heavy.

Ginchoux

Ginchoux offers a luxurious version of Black Forest cake with a boozy twist. Their cake features premium chocolate, fresh Tasmanian cherries soaked in alcohol, cherry ganache, and a soft, moist sponge. The presentation is sleek, and the flavor is bold—ideal for grown-up celebrations.

Maiku

 

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Maiku is a cozy café in Blok M known for its tiramisu, but their Black Forest tiramisu is a fun twist on the classic. It blends the flavors of Black Forest—chocolate, cherry, and cream—into a soft, spoonable dessert. It’s a playful, modern take that still hits all the nostalgic notes.

N.O.B Café & Patisserie

 

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N.O.B’s Black Forest cake is a recent addition to their pastry lineup, introduced in May this year. It features bold Valrhona dark chocolate with a modest cherry filling that adds just the right touch. The cake is topped with a clean finish, kept simple and in line with N.O.B’s modern, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.

Rumah Juliet

This charming vegan café in Tanjung Duren offers plant-based desserts that don’t compromise on flavor. Their Black Forest cake is made with organic ingredients and no dairy, yet still delivers that familiar chocolate-cherry-cream combo. It’s an ideal option for those with dietary preferences or anyone curious about vegan baking.

Sari Delicatessen at Sari Pacific Jakarta, Autograph Collection

A true Jakarta classic. Sari Delicatessen has been serving its legendary Black Forest cake since the 1970s. Made with imported ingredients and a traditional German recipe, it’s rich, creamy, and generously filled with cherries. This is the cake that defined birthdays for many Jakartans—and it still holds up beautifully.

Union

 

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Union’s take on Black Forest cake has long been recognized for its modern roll cake version—but now, they’ve brought back the classic form too. The cake features layers of soft chocolate sponge filled with Valrhona chocolate cream and sweet Maraschino cherries, topped with whipped cream and delicate chocolate shavings. It’s indulgent, photogenic, and ideal for gifting or enjoying with coffee.