Black Forest Cake

why make this recipe

Black Forest Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s an elegant cake often served at special occasions, making it a favorite among many. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress your guests, whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or a casual get-together. Plus, with its layers of chocolate and cherries, it’s not only tasty but also visually stunning!

how to make Black Forest Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 jar (24 oz) Morello cherries, drained
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry schnapps)
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the bowl. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
4. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove them to cool completely on wire racks.
6. Once the cakes are cooled, cut each layer in half horizontally.
7. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
8. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and soak it with some cherry juice. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top and add cherries.
9. Add the second layer and repeat the soaking and layering process until all layers are stacked.
10. Frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.
11. Chill the cake in the refrigerator before serving.

how to serve Black Forest Cake

Serve Black Forest Cake chilled for the best flavor. You can slice it into wedges and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. This cake pairs well with fresh fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

how to store Black Forest Cake

To store Black Forest Cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s properly covered to maintain its freshness. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place it in a zip-top bag. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months.

tips to make Black Forest Cake

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps in mixing the batter well.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
• You can adjust the amount of cherry schnapps (Kirsch) according to your taste. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply skip this ingredient.
• For extra cherry flavor, consider adding some cherry pie filling in between the layers.
• If you want a more stable whipped cream, consider adding a stabilizer while whipping.

variation

You can try a variety of toppings! Instead of chocolate shavings, you might use crushed nuts or toasted coconut for a unique twist. You can also switch the layer flavors by adding coffee or espresso for a mocha Black Forest Cake.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of Morello cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to pit them before using.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

3. What should I do if the cake layers dome in the middle?
If your cake layers dome up while baking, you can level them off with a knife once they’ve cooled. Just trim the top gently to make them flat for stacking.

Black Forest Cake

A delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, perfect for special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: German

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Use high-quality for richer flavor.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs At room temperature.
• 1 cup whole milk At room temperature.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water The batter will be thin.

Filling and Topping Ingredients

• 1 jar (24 oz) Morello cherries, drained You can use fresh cherries instead.
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream Whipped with powdered sugar.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar For sweetening the whipped cream.
• 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry schnapps) Adjust according to taste; optional.
• Chocolate shavings for garnish Can use crushed nuts or toasted coconut instead.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the bowl. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Baking

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove them to cool completely on wire racks.

Assembly

1. Once the cakes are cooled, cut each layer in half horizontally.
2. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
3. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and soak it with some cherry juice.
4. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top and add cherries.
5. Add the second layer and repeat the soaking and layering process until all layers are stacked.
6. Frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.
7. Chill the cake in the refrigerator before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.