Black Forest Cake
A classic dessert featuring rich chocolate layers, luscious cherry filling, and creamy whipped topping, making it a perfect treat for celebrations.
Ingredients
For the cake layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cherry filling
- 2 cans dark sweet cherries, drained (reserve juice)
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup kirsch (cherry brandy) or cherry juice
For the whipped cream
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons kirsch (optional)
For decoration
- Dark chocolate shavings or curls
- Fresh cherries with stems (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat until smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three pans.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Cherry Filling
- To make the cherry filling, combine 1/2 cup of reserved cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cherries and kirsch. Let it cool completely.
Whipped Cream
- For the whipped cream, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and kirsch (if using) until stiff peaks form. Keep it refrigerated until you are ready to use it.
Assembly
- To assemble the cake, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread with 1/3 of the whipped cream, then top with half of the cherry filling.
- Add the second layer and repeat the process.
- Place the third layer on top. Frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream, creating swirls or textures with a spatula.
- Press chocolate shavings onto the sides and sprinkle on top. If you like, garnish with fresh cherries.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing. Don’t skip chilling the cake before serving; it enhances the flavors and texture. Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor. If you prefer, you can use whipped topping instead of making fresh whipped cream.
