There’s something undeniably enchanting about a Black Forest Cake – the rich chocolate layers, the tart cherries, and the light, fluffy whipped cream come together in a symphony of flavors that can turn any gathering into a celebration. From my very first taste at a quaint German bakery down the cobblestone streets of my hometown, I was hooked.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour,
- 2 cups granulated sugar,
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder,
- 2 tsp baking soda,
- 1 tsp baking powder,
- 1 tsp salt,
- 1 cup buttermilk,
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cool),
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil,
- 2 large eggs,
- 2 tsp vanilla extract,
- 3 cups fresh or canned cherries (drained and pitted),
- 1/4 cup cherry liqueur (optional),
- 3 cups heavy cream,
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar,
- Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add buttermilk, coffee, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until smooth. This will be your cake batter.
Divide the batter evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans that have been greased and floured. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a medium saucepan, combine half of the cherries with the cherry liqueur (if using) and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Allow to cool. You’ll use this mixture between the cake layers.
With an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat. This whipped cream will be used as both a filling and topping for the cake.
Once the cakes have cooled, slice each cake horizontally to create four layers. Place the first layer on your cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake, then spoon some of the cherry mixture on top. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream. Decorate the top with the remaining cherries and dark chocolate shavings.
Final words
And there you have it – a stunning Black Forest Cake that is sure to impress! Rich, moist, and bursting with the flavors of cherries and chocolate, it’s the perfect dessert for any celebration or simply to treat yourself. Thank you for following along with this recipe. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how your Black Forest Cake turns out. Don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes on my site.
Tags
Black Forest Cake recipe, chocolate cherry cake, homemade cake recipes
