Black Forest Cake is a classic, indulgent dessert made with layers of rich chocolate cake, whipped cream, and tart cherries. This German dessert is perfect for any special occasion or celebration. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own Black Forest Cake at home!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 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 cup warm water (for soaking the cake)
For the Filling and Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 jar (24 oz) maraschino cherries (or fresh cherries, pitted)
- 1 tablespoon cherry juice (from the jar or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry schnapps, optional, or use cherry juice for non-alcoholic version)
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the cake layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Gradually add the boiling water to the batter (it will be thin). Mix until combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Whip the cream:
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Be careful not to overwhip the cream, or it will become butter.
3. Assemble the cake:
- Once the cakes have completely cooled, carefully slice each cake in half horizontally to create 4 layers.
- Place the first layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Drizzle with a little bit of cherry juice (or Kirsch, if using) to moisten the cake.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the first cake layer.
- Add a layer of cherries on top of the whipped cream.
- Repeat the process with the remaining layers of cake, whipped cream, and cherries, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
4. Decorate the cake:
- Once the final layer of whipped cream is spread, garnish the top of the cake with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate and extra cherries.
- For an extra decorative touch, you can pipe whipped cream rosettes along the edges of the cake.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the whipped cream to set.
- Slice and enjoy!
Tips:
- Make ahead: The cake can be made a day in advance. Just assemble the cake and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Substitute: If you don’t have maraschino cherries, you can use fresh or frozen cherries. You can also make your own cherry syrup by heating cherries with sugar.
- Non-alcoholic option: If you prefer to skip the Kirsch, just use extra cherry juice or water to soak the cake layers.
This Black Forest Cake is rich, decadent, and perfect for any celebration. Enjoy the layers of chocolate, cherries, and cream—each bite is simply irresistible! 🍒🍫🎂
