There’s nothing quite like the mouthwatering aroma of a freshly baked black forest cake wafting through your kitchen. Picture layers of rich chocolate sponge, fluffy whipped cream, and tangy cherries mingling together like old friends at a reunion. Each slice is a delightful symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply indulging in a sweet moment, this decadent dessert never fails to impress.
I can still remember the first time I tried black forest cake at my cousin’s wedding. It stole the show from the bride and groom! The way that luscious chocolate layer melded with the cherry filling is something I’ll never forget. Now, I whip it up for everything from Sunday family dinners to surprise picnics. Trust me when I say that every bite promises an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This black forest cake recipe combines simplicity with indulgence for an impressive dessert
- Its rich chocolatey layers and creamy frosting will wow your guests
- Perfectly versatile, it suits any occasion from birthdays to casual gatherings
- The stunning visual appeal guarantees it will be the centerpiece of your dessert table
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this cake was when I made it for my birthday last year.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cake; sift it well for a light texture.
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Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for sweetness; adjust based on your taste preference.
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Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for that delightful rise in your cake.
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Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors beautifully; don’t skip this step!
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Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better blending.
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Milk: Whole milk adds moisture; feel free to substitute with buttermilk for extra richness.
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Vegetable Oil: This keeps your cake moist and tender; avoid using olive oil here.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile of your cake immensely.
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Whipping Cream: Heavy whipping cream works best for that luscious frosting; chill it before whipping.
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Cherries (Fresh or Jarred): If using jarred cherries, opt for those packed in syrup for added sweetness.
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Chocolate Shavings (for garnish): Use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar; it makes for beautiful decoration!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. The aroma will remind you of a cozy café!
Add Wet Ingredients : In another bowl, beat eggs with milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—avoid overmixing!
Bake Cakes : Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let those beauties cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.
Prepare Whipped Cream : While cakes cool, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add sugar gradually as you continue whipping until stiff peaks form—just like clouds!
Assemble Your Cake : Once cooled completely, slice each cake horizontally if desired. Begin layering: place one layer on a serving plate, spread whipped cream generously over it, add cherries on top, then repeat with remaining layers. Top with more whipped cream and garnishes.
Enjoy slicing into this show-stopping black forest cake! Every piece promises an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
You Must Know
- Black forest cake is a chocolate lover’s dream, layered with cherries and whipped cream
- Perfect for celebrations or just indulging on a Tuesday, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious
- The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates an irresistible flavor explosion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking your chocolate layers first, then whip the cream while they cool. Finally, assemble the cake with cherry filling in between layers.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap fresh cherries for frozen ones or even add dark chocolate shavings for extra texture. Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels in the whipped cream.
Storing & Reheating
Store black forest cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you need to reheat it, do so briefly in the microwave to avoid drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect layers, ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting
- Use a serrated knife to level layers evenly for better stacking
- Always refrigerate before serving to enhance flavor and textures
There’s nothing quite like the joy of watching my family devour this cake; their smiles are priceless! One time, my nephew declared it “the best thing ever” after just one bite!
FAQ
What is black forest cake made of?
Black forest cake consists of chocolate sponge, cherries, and whipped cream layers.
Can I make black forest cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers a day in advance and assemble when ready.
What can I substitute for Kirsch in black forest cake?
You can use cherry juice or a splash of vanilla extract instead of Kirsch.
Indulge in Homemade Black Forest Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Savor the delightful layers of rich chocolate sponge, fluffy whipped cream, and sweet cherries with this irresistible black forest cake recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert will impress your guests and leave them craving more. Each slice is a celebration of flavor that captures the essence of indulgence, making it a must-try for chocolate lovers everywhere.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
- 1 cup fresh or jarred cherries (pitted)
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combine with dry ingredients and stir gently.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- While cooling, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form; gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, layer one on a serving plate with whipped cream and cherries in between layers. Top with more whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
