Black Forest Cake
This classic Black Forest Cake is a decadent treat that features layers of moist chocolate cake filled with sweet cherries and whipped cream, all topped with rich chocolate shavings and cherries! Originating from Germany, this dessert is perfect for any celebration or whenever you want to indulge in a show-stopping dessert. Every bite is a delightful combination of rich chocolate, creamy whipped cream, and tart cherries.
Ingredients:
• For the Chocolate Cake:
o 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
o 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
o 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
o 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
o 1/2 tsp salt
o 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
o 1/2 cup vegetable oil
o 2 large eggs, room temperature
o 1 cup whole milk
o 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
o 2 tsp vanilla extract
o 1 cup boiling water
• For the Cherry Filling:
o 1 cup cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
o 1 cup pitted fresh or jarred cherries (in syrup, drained)
• For the Whipped Cream Filling and Frosting:
o 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
o 1/2 cup powdered sugar
o 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For Garnish:
o 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or curls
o 12-16 whole cherries with stems (for decoration)
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans:
o Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Make the Chocolate Cake Batter:
o In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
o In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract until well combined.
o Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
o Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin, but that’s normal).
3. Bake the Chocolate Cakes:
o Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
o Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
o Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
o In a medium bowl, gently fold the cherry preserves or pie filling with the pitted cherries until well combined. Set aside.
5. Make the Whipped Cream Filling and Frosting:
o In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
6. Assemble the Black Forest Cake:
o Place the first chocolate cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
o Spread a generous layer of the cherry filling over the cake, followed by a layer of whipped cream.
o Repeat with the second cake layer, spreading more cherry filling and whipped cream.
o Place the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
7. Garnish and Decorate:
o Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate shavings or curls. Arrange whole cherries with stems around the top for an elegant finish.
8. Chill and Serve:
o Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Slice and enjoy this beautiful and delicious Black Forest Cake!
Prep Time: 30 mins | Cooking Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins (including cooling and assembly) | Servings: 12 | Calories: 450 kcal per slice
Black Forest Cake
