The rich, decadent layers of a black forest cake tantalize your senses with each bite, offering a symphony of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream. Imagine slicing into this masterpiece and revealing the moist chocolate sponge nestled between luscious layers of cherry filling and fluffy whipped cream.
Every forkful transports you to a cozy café in the heart of Germany, where the aroma of fresh baked goods fills the air. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on your plate, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because it’s Tuesday.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This black forest cake is surprisingly easy to make, bringing gourmet flavors to your kitchen
- Its stunning visual layers will impress anyone at your table
- The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a delightful flavor explosion that everyone will love
- It’s versatile enough for any occasion or festive gathering
Watching my friends devour this black forest cake at my last birthday party was priceless; their smiles were as sweet as the cake itself.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A staple for any cake, ensuring a light and airy texture.
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Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality cocoa for that rich chocolate flavor that makes the cake irresistible.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter perfectly and balances the tartness of the cherries.
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Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully while keeping it moist.
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Baking Soda: Works with baking powder to create that lovely lift in your cake.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
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Eggs: These bind everything together and add richness to the batter.
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Milk: Adds moisture; buttermilk can be used for an extra tangy twist.
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Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender—no one likes dry cake!
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Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth to your flavor profile.
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Cherries (Fresh or Canned): Use pitted cherries for layering; they provide that signature black forest flavor.
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Whipping Cream: Whip it up for frosting—nothing says indulgence like freshly whipped cream!
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Darker Chocolate Shavings: For garnish; they’re more than pretty—they add an extra chocolate punch!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with butter or nonstick spray and line them with parchment paper.
Mix Your Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. The aroma will have you dreaming of chocolate!
Create Your Batter: In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually combine this mixture with the dry ingredients until just mixed; avoid overmixing to keep it fluffy.
Pour Into Pans & Bake!: Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Enjoy the heavenly scent wafting through your kitchen!
Cool & Prepare Filling : Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. In another bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form—this will be your glorious frosting.
Assemble Your Masterpiece : Once cooled completely, slice each cake layer in half horizontally. Start layering: first a layer of cake, then spread whipped cream and add cherries on top. Repeat until complete; finish with whipped cream topping and chocolate shavings.
Now step back and admire your creation!
This black forest cake isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience worth sharing!
You Must Know
- Black Forest Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream, with rich layers of sponge, cherries, and whipped cream
- The sweet aroma of baking chocolate fills the kitchen, while the cake’s moist texture and creamy frosting leave everyone craving more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve a perfect Black Forest Cake, start by mixing dry ingredients first. Then, whip up your chocolate batter while the cherries soak in Kirsch for extra flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap traditional cherries for raspberries or strawberries if you prefer. You can also use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Black Forest Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your cake layers are even, use a kitchen scale when measuring ingredients
- Also, avoid overmixing the batter to keep it light and fluffy
- Finally, always let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
Baking this cake always brings back memories of my sister’s birthday parties when we’d devour every slice while giggling about our secret ingredient: extra cherries!
FAQ
What is the best type of chocolate for Black Forest Cake?
Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the richest flavor.
Can I make Black Forest Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stays delicious in the fridge for several days.
How do I prevent my cake from being too dry?
Ensure you don’t overbake it and add enough moisture with cherry juice or syrup.
Black Forest Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich decadence of Black Forest Cake, a delightful dessert that combines moist chocolate sponge with layers of tangy cherries and fluffy whipped cream. This gourmet treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a casual Tuesday treat. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this cake will leave everyone at your table craving more!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for tang)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
- 2 cups whipping cream (for frosting)
- Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans and line them with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix this into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Whip the cream until soft peaks form.
- Once cooled completely, slice each cake horizontally into two layers. Assemble by layering cake, whipped cream, and cherries until complete. Finish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (125g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
