Black Forest Cake, a decadent German dessert, combines layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherries, and whipped cream. Learn how to create this classic treat with our step-by-step guide.
Ingredients for Black Forest Cake:
- For the Chocolate Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Buttermilk
- Vanilla extract
- For the Cherry Filling:
- Canned cherries (in syrup)
- Cornstarch
- Cherry liqueur (optional)
- For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Additional:
- Chocolate shavings or curls (for garnish)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
How to make Black Forest Cake:
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat the oven and grease/flour cake pans.
- Sift dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
- Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy, then add oil, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures, divide into pans, and bake until done.
- Make the Cherry Filling:
- Drain cherries, reserving syrup.
- Mix cornstarch with syrup in a saucepan, cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in cherries and liqueur (if using). Let cool.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- Whip cold cream until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Level cake layers if needed.
- Place one layer on a serving plate, spread cherry filling over it.
- Add a layer of whipped cream, repeat with remaining layers.
- Frost sides and top with whipped cream, decorate with chocolate shavings and cherries.
About the main ingredients:
- Chocolate Cake: Provides a rich, moist base that complements the cherries and cream.
- Cherries: Sweet-tart flavor and juiciness, enhanced with a touch of cherry liqueur for depth.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy frosting that balances the cake’s richness, adding a creamy texture.
Enjoy the indulgent layers of chocolate, cherries, and cream in every bite of this traditional Black Forest Cake!
