Ah, the Black Forest cake! This delightful treat hails from the enchanting Black Forest region of Germany, where it’s known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. The cake’s roots trace back to the early 20th century and it’s become a beloved symbol of German pastry tradition. What makes my black forest cake recipe truly special is the luxurious layers of moist chocolate cake, the fluffy whipped cream, and the sweet, tangy Morello cherries that harmonize beautifully. Trust me, every slice is a celebration of flavor and texture that will have your taste buds dancing! It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because—once you taste it, you’ll understand why this cake is a classic!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 jar (24 oz) Morello cherries, drained
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Let’s get started! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because we want our cakes to bake evenly and rise perfectly. While that’s heating up, grab two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them up! I like to use butter for that extra richness, then sprinkle a bit of flour in each pan to prevent sticking. Trust me, no one wants to lose any of that glorious cake when it’s time to flip it out!
Mixing the Batter
Now, let’s mix the batter! In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. Next, add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s smooth—don’t worry if it seems a bit thick at first! Finally, carefully stir in the boiling water. This will thin out the batter, making it nice and pourable. The key here is to mix just enough to combine everything; we don’t want to overdo it!
Baking the Cake
Pour that luscious batter evenly into your prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Here’s a little tip: use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, you’re golden! Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time is crucial, so be patient—it’ll be worth it!
Assembling the Cake
Once your cakes are completely cool, it’s time to assemble! Carefully slice each cake in half horizontally, creating four layers in total. Place one layer on your serving plate and generously spread whipped cream over the top, followed by a layer of those lovely Morello cherries. Repeat this process with the next layers, stacking them up beautifully. Finally, frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings for that elegant finish. Wow, it’s looking good already!
Tips for Success
To make sure your black forest cake recipe turns out nothing short of spectacular, let’s go over a few key tips! First, always use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a difference! I also recommend chilling your heavy whipping cream before whipping; this helps it hold its shape beautifully when frosting. Don’t rush the cooling process either; letting the cakes sit for a few hours before serving allows all those delicious flavors to meld together. Oops! And if you can, use fresh cherries for a burst of natural sweetness. These little tweaks will elevate your cake to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of this scrumptious black forest cake recipe. Each slice contains approximately 450 calories, with 25g of fat, 6g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries instead of Morello cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can add a wonderful flavor and texture, just make sure to pit them first. They’ll give your cake a lovely, juicy burst!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last about 3-4 days, but trust me, it rarely lasts that long!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I recommend baking the cakes a day in advance and assembling them just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for a stress-free dessert on the day of your event.
What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?
No worries! You can substitute it with a can of whipped topping, but the texture will be different. Homemade whipped cream adds a richness that’s hard to beat!
Can I freeze Black Forest cake?
Yes, you can freeze the layers before frosting. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation that impresses—perfect for any occasion!
- Decadent layers of rich chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy cherries create a flavor explosion.
- Stunning presentation that turns heads and makes you look like a pro baker.
- Versatile for customizing with your favorite toppings or fruit variations.
- Every bite is a delightful experience that will leave everyone wanting more!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this black forest cake recipe! For a richer taste, try using dark chocolate instead of regular cocoa powder—wow, it elevates the flavor! You could also switch up the fruits; raspberries or strawberries make delightful alternatives to the Morello cherries. Want a fun twist? Top your cake with a chocolate ganache or sprinkle some crushed nuts for added crunch. If you’re a fan of coffee, adding a shot of espresso to the batter can enhance the chocolate flavor beautifully. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun with it!
For more information on the history of Black Forest cake, you can check out this detailed article that dives into its origins and variations.
Print
Black Forest Cake Recipe: 5 Steps to Sweet Success
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic German dessert with layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 jar (24 oz) Morello cherries, drained
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water until well combined.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice each cake in half horizontally.
- Place one layer on a serving plate. Top with whipped cream and cherries.
- Add the second layer and repeat until all layers are stacked.
- Frost the top and sides with remaining whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for a more authentic taste.
- Chill the whipped cream for better stability.
- Let the cake sit for a few hours before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: black forest cake recipe, chocolate cake, dessert recipe
