The Ultimate Black Forest Cake Recipe: How to Make This Classic German Dessert
If you love chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream, then this Black Forest Cake recipe is for you! Originating from Germany, this classic dessert is known for its rich chocolate layers, sweet cherries, fluffy whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge, this Black Forest Cake recipe is sure to impress. Best of all, it’s easier to make than you might think. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to create your very own homemade Black Forest Cake.
Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Cake Recipe
This Black Forest Cake recipe is a show-stopper for any occasion. The combination of moist chocolate cake, juicy cherries, and light whipped cream makes it an irresistible treat. What makes this cake even better is that it uses fresh ingredients for a balanced sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.
Here’s why this Black Forest Cake recipe stands out:
- Rich chocolate cake made from scratch.
- Fresh or canned cherries that add a tart and sweet contrast.
- Fluffy whipped cream that ties everything together.
- Topped with chocolate shavings for that final elegant touch.
Ingredients for Black Forest Cake Recipe
To make this delicious Black Forest Cake recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1½ cups (360ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (300g) pitted and halved cherries (fresh or canned)
- ¼ cup (60ml) cherry liqueur or syrup (optional)
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
- Maraschino cherries or fresh cherries with stems (optional for decoration)
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Black Forest Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, which is fine.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two cake 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 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Refrigerate the whipped cream until ready to use.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create four thin layers.
- Optional: Brush each cake layer with cherry liqueur or syrup to add extra moisture and flavor.
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top. Add some cherries evenly across the layer.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers, finishing with a top layer of whipped cream.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Your Black Forest Cake Recipe
- To decorate your Black Forest Cake recipe, garnish the top with chocolate shavings and a few cherries. You can use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate curls from a chocolate bar.
- If desired, add maraschino cherries or fresh cherries with stems for an elegant touch.
Tips for Perfecting Your Black Forest Cake Recipe
- For an authentic Black Forest Cake recipe, use kirsch, a cherry brandy, to brush the cake layers.
- If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can use the syrup from canned cherries instead of kirsch or cherry liqueur.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the cake easier to slice.
Conclusion
This Black Forest Cake recipe is the perfect dessert for special occasions or whenever you’re in the mood for something indulgent. The combination of rich chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and light whipped cream makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, the beautiful layers and chocolate garnishes make it look as impressive as it tastes.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this Black Forest Cake recipe today and impress your family and friends with your baking skills! Let me know in the comments how it turns out, and don’t forget to share this recipe with anyone who loves a classic chocolate-cherry combination.
Happy baking!