Black Forest cake is a classic German dessert that's both rich and decadent. It features layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries, often with a hint of kirsch (cherry brandy). Here’s a traditional recipe to make a Black Forest cake from scratch:
Black Forest Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the chocolate sponge cake:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the filling and frosting:
- 2 cups (500ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 jar (16 oz/450g) morello cherries or tart cherries, drained (reserve the juice)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) kirsch (cherry brandy) (optional, can be omitted or replaced with cherry juice)
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate for decoration
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chocolate sponge cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the whipped cream:
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
3. Assemble the cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, cut each cake in half horizontally to create four layers.
- Place one layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Moisten with a bit of the reserved cherry juice (or kirsch if using).
- Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake layer.
- Add a layer of cherries on top of the whipped cream.
- Repeat with the remaining layers, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
4. Decorate the cake:
- Frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining whipped cream.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate.
- Decorate with additional cherries on top if desired.
5. Chill:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Enjoy your homemade Black Forest cake! It's perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re in the mood for a delicious treat.
