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Delicious German Black Forest Cake topped with cherries and whipped cream

German Black Forest Cake

A delightful dessert combining rich chocolate layers, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, perfect for celebrations.
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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
  

For the Cakes
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water adds moisture to the batter
For the Whipped Cream and Garnish
  • 2 cups heavy cream cold for whipping
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar for sweetening the cream
  • 1 jar (about 24 ounces) Morello cherries, drained for filling
  • 1/4 cup Kirsch (cherry schnapps) for soaking the cake layers
  • Chocolate shavings for garnish use high-quality chocolate

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, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
  4. Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin). Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans.
Baking
  1. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Assembly
  1. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  2. Once the cakes are cooled, cut each cake in half horizontally to create four layers.
  3. Place one layer on a serving plate, soak with Kirsch, spread whipped cream, and top with cherries. Repeat with remaining layers.
  4. Frost the top and sides of the cake with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.
  5. Chill before serving and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for best results. When cutting the cake layers, use a serrated knife for easier slicing. Feel free to adjust the amount of Kirsch according to your taste preference. You can make a lighter version by using low-fat cream, or swap in fresh cherries for a more natural flavor. Alternatively, for a twist, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers.