Black Forest Cake Recipe
This classic Black Forest cake recipe layers rich chocolate sponge cake with fluffy whipped cream and sweet cherries. Whether you’re celebrating or simply indulging, it’s a showstopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot water or coffee
Filling and Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 jar 16 oz maraschino cherries or fresh cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 cup cherry syrup from jar or homemade
- 1/4 cup Kirsch cherry liqueur, optional
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk.
- Combine and finish batter: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet, then stir in hot water or coffee until smooth.
- Bake the cake: Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- Whip the cream: Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Chill until ready to use.
- Prepare cherries: Drain cherries and reserve syrup. Combine syrup with Kirsch (if using). Set aside some cherries for decoration.
- Level the cakes using a serrated knife to remove any domed tops.
- Assemble the cake: 1 Place one cake layer on a plate. 2 Brush with cherry syrup. 3 Spread whipped cream and a layer of cherries. 4 Repeat with the second cake layer.
- Frost and decorate: Cover the top and sides with whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings and reserved cherries.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best results.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- No Kirsch? Use extra cherry syrup or a cherry juice reduction.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free whipped topping and egg substitutes like applesauce.
- Decorate with fresh cherries and dark chocolate curls for a bakery-style look.
- Calories: 370
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g