Irresistible Black Forest Cake Recipe for Chocolate Lovers

Imagine diving into a slice of rich, chocolatey goodness, where fluffy layers of cocoa cake mingle with luscious whipped cream and tart cherries. Black forest cake is like a sweet hug for your taste buds, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist.

Growing up, my family’s celebrations always featured this dazzling dessert, making it the star of every birthday party and holiday gathering. The sight of that decadent cake adorned with glistening cherries still brings back fond memories filled with laughter and joy.

Every time I make this cake, friends and family gather around in anticipation, eagerly waiting for that first bite of chocolatey bliss.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it helps create a light yet moist cake.

• Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to ensure maximum chocolate flavor without added sugars.

• Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for achieving that perfect rise in your cake layers.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can adjust based on your personal preference.

• Eggs: Fresh large eggs are essential for binding and adding moisture to the batter.

• Milk: Whole milk enhances the richness; substitute with buttermilk for added tanginess.

• Butter: Unsalted butter works best; remember to let it soften before mixing for better integration.

• Heavy Cream: Whipping cream provides luxurious frosting; chill it beforehand for the best results.

• Tart Cherries: Use canned tart cherries in syrup; they add a delightful burst of flavor between layers.

• Chocolate Shavings: For garnish, these add a touch of elegance and extra chocolatey goodness on top.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.

In a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. This will create a uniform base for your batter.

In another large bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until frothy. The mixture should be light in color and smell buttery sweet—trust me; you’ll want to taste a little!

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring gently. Aim for a smooth batter without overmixing; overdoing it can lead to dense cakes instead of fluffy ones.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—this is when you’ll start smelling that heavenly aroma!

Once done baking, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely—patience here is key; we don’t want melted frosting!

While the cakes cool down, whip up that heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Feel free to sneak a taste—it’s basically like magic in creamy form!

Now comes the fun part! Once cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Layer half of your whipped cream over it followed by half of those luscious tart cherries. Place the second layer on top and repeat with remaining cream and cherries.

For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top—because who doesn’t love more chocolate?

Slice into this masterpiece and serve it at your next gathering or simply enjoy it yourself (I won’t tell anyone!). Each bite will transport you straight to dessert heaven!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by baking your chocolate cake layers first. While those cool, whip your cream and prepare the cherries, making everything come together seamlessly for a perfect black forest cake.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular chocolate for dark or even white chocolate. You can also add other fruits like raspberries to enhance flavor diversity in your black forest cake.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover black forest cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it again later, let it come back to room temperature before serving.

The first time I made a black forest cake, my friends devoured it within minutes. Their smiles and compliments still echo in my kitchen memories, reminding me how food brings joy!

FAQ

What is the key ingredient in a classic black forest cake?

The key ingredient is fresh cherries paired with rich chocolate and creamy whipped topping.

Can I make a black forest cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead and assemble them just before serving.

How do I prevent my cake from becoming soggy?

Ensure each layer has enough cooling time before adding whipped cream and cherries to avoid sogginess.

Print

Black Forest Cake

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x

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Description

Experience the ultimate dessert delight with this classic Black Forest Cake. Layers of moist chocolate cake are lovingly filled with fresh whipped cream and tart cherries, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for any celebration or simply as a sweet treat, this recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels. Get ready to impress with this stunning dessert that brings joy to every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
• 1 can (14 oz) tart cherries in syrup (drained)
• Chocolate shavings (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, and melted butter until frothy. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Divide batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
7. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread half of the whipped cream and half of the cherries over it. Top with the second layer and repeat.
8. Garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of regular cocoa powder. You can replace tart cherries with other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a unique twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.