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Black Forest Cake Recipe

Irresistibly Moist Black Forest Cake Recipe You’ll Love

This Black Forest Cake recipe features rich chocolate layers, tart cherry filling, and airy whipped cream, making for a perfect dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Base
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour provides structure for the cake layers.
  • 1.75 cups Granulated Sugar balances the cocoa richness while keeping the cake moist.
  • 0.75 cups Cocoa Powder (Unsweetened) for a deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-process can give an even smoother taste.
  • 1.5 tsp Baking Powder ensures the cake rises perfectly.
  • 1.5 tsp Baking Soda ensures the cake rises perfectly.
  • 1 tsp Salt enhances the sweetness of the cake.
  • 2 Large Eggs serve as a binder, contributing to the cake’s moisture.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk helps create tenderness; feel free to swap with buttermilk for added richness.
  • 0.5 cups Vegetable Oil keeps the cake moist; unsalted melted butter works as a substitute.
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract enhances the cake’s overall flavor.
  • 1 cup Boiling Water dissolves the cocoa and helps create a smooth batter.
For the Cherry Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh or Canned Pitted Cherries adds delicious flavor and juiciness to the filling.
  • 0.33 cups Granulated Sugar for Cherry Filling sweetens the cherries perfectly.
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch thickens the cherry filling for a luscious texture.
  • 2 tbsp Kirsch (Cherry Liqueur, Optional) infuses the filling with authentic depth and flavor.
For the Whipped Cream Topping
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream create a light, fluffy topping; stabilize it with powdered sugar.
  • 0.25 cups Powdered Sugar adds just the right sweetness to the whipped cream.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (for Whipped Cream) deepens the cream’s flavor overall.
For Decoration
  • Chocolate Shavings Add for a decorative touch and extra chocolate flavor.
  • Fresh Cherries Use for a beautiful garnish, adding a fresh touch to your cake.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Gradually add in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Carefully stir in boiling water.
  3. Divide the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  4. Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. In a saucepan, combine cherries and sugar, stirring until juices are released. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into cherries until thickened. Set aside to cool.
  6. In a chilled bowl, whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  7. Assemble the cake by layering with cherry filling and whipped cream, then frost the whole cake with remaining whipped cream.
  8. Refrigerate the assembled cake for 2-3 hours before serving. Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 7gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Quality ingredients and moisture are essential for a perfect Black Forest Cake. Consider chilling the cake for enhanced flavors.

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