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Delicious Black Forest Cake topped with cherries and whipped cream

Black Forest Cake

A delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, perfect for special occasions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
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.