Why Make This Recipe
Black Forest Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together rich chocolate flavors, sweet cherries, and luscious cream. This classic cake is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of moist chocolate layers and the tartness of cherries creates a delicious balance that makes Black Forest Cake a beloved choice for many.
How to Make Black Forest Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 jar (24 oz) morello cherries, drained and liquid reserved
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Carefully stir in the boiling water until well combined (the batter will be thin).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are cool, slice each cake in half horizontally. You will have four layers.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Moisten with some of the reserved cherry liquid, then spread with a layer of whipped cream and top with cherries. Repeat with the next two layers.
- Place the final layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings and additional cherries if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
How to Serve Black Forest Cake
Serve the Black Forest Cake chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can slice it into wedges and add extra chocolate shavings or cherries on top for an elegant touch. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Store Black Forest Cake
Store any leftover Black Forest Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to keep it for longer, you can freeze the layers separately, but the cream should be added fresh when you are ready to serve.
Tips to Make Black Forest Cake
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Don’t skip the step of moistening the cake layers with cherry juice. It adds flavor and moisture.
- Ensure the whipped cream is whipped to stiff peaks to make decorating easier.
- Decorate with fresh cherries just before serving for a pop of color.
Variation
You can try a twist on the classic recipe by adding a layer of raspberry filling or using a different type of fruit, like strawberries. Some people also opt to use a chocolate ganache instead of whipped cream for a richer texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cherries?
Yes, while morello cherries are traditional, any sweet or sour cherries can be used. Just adjust the sweetness based on the type of cherries you choose.
2. Is Black Forest Cake difficult to make?
No, Black Forest Cake is relatively easy to make, especially with the provided step-by-step directions. Just take your time, and you’ll do great!
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them. Just assemble with the cream and cherries closer to when you plan to serve it for the best taste and texture.
Black Forest Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Use high-quality cocoa for better flavor
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water Be careful when adding
Filling and Topping Ingredients
- 1 jar morello cherries (24 oz), drained and liquid reserved
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream Whipped to stiff peaks
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings For garnish
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Carefully stir in the boiling water until well combined (the batter will be thin).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Assembly
- Once the cakes are cool, slice each cake in half horizontally. You will have four layers.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Moisten with some of the reserved cherry liquid, then spread with a layer of whipped cream and top with cherries. Repeat with the next two layers.
- Place the final layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings and additional cherries if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.