The Ultimate Black Forest Cake Recipe for Beginners

 

Introduction

The Black Forest Cake is a delicious combination of smooth chocolate, whipped cream and sour cherries. When Germans refer to this cake, they call it Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. This cake not only brings out the best in German baking culture but also makes an impressive dessert for every occasion. Here’s how to make this timeless dessert.

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Filling and Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups pitted, tart cherries (canned or fresh)
• ¼ cup Kirsch (cherry brandy) or cherry juice
• Dark chocolate shavings for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Layers

Preheat oven at 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In large bowl, sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt together.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Then add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla extract into the bowl above; beat until smooth.

Add Boiling Water: Slowly stir in hot water but keep stirring until everything is blended well. The batter will be thin.

Bake: Pour mixture into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Leave cakes to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare whipped cream

Whip Cream: In chilled bowl beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Make a Cake

Put Together the Cake: Upon a serving plate lay down one layer of cake. Use Kirsch or alternatively cherry juice to paint it. Whip up some cream and spread liberally on top followed by half the cherries.

Place the Second Layer: Add this above the previous one. Again brush on Kirsch, add whipped cream and toss in cherries under similar fashion.

Complete: Lastly, cover the whole cake in remaining whipped cream. Top it with shavings from dark chocolate bar plus some additional cherries on top.

Chill & Serve

Fridge: Allow cake rest for not less than two hours prior to feasting so as flavors could mix.

 Nutritional Information (Per Slice):

Calories: ~350 kcal
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Sugars: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 250mg
For a real taste of Germany enjoy your own Black Forest Cake at home!