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Black Forest Cake

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Black Forest Cake is a traditional German-inspired dessert made with layers of moist chocolate cake, sweet whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings. Optionally infused with Kirsch, it’s a showstopping cake that balances richness with freshness.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee or boiling water
  • 2 cups canned or jarred sour cherries (drained, reserve some juice)
  • 2 tbsp Kirsch (cherry brandy, optional)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • Chocolate shavings or curls, for garnish
  • Fresh or maraschino cherries, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until combined.
  5. Stir in hot coffee or boiling water. Batter will be thin.
  6. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Drain cherries and mix with Kirsch if using. Set aside.
  9. Whip cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  10. Level cakes if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate and brush with cherry juice or Kirsch. Spread with whipped cream and add cherries.
  11. Repeat with second layer. Add top layer and frost top and sides with remaining whipped cream.
  12. Garnish with chocolate shavings and whole cherries. Chill before serving.

Notes

  • Use reserved cherry juice if omitting Kirsch.
  • Make chocolate curls by using a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar.
  • Cake layers can be baked in advance and wrapped until ready to assemble.
  • Use cold tools when whipping cream for best results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/black-forest-cake/