Black Forest cake

Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is a decadent German dessert made with layers of rich chocolate sponge cake, sweetened cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, all adorned with chocolate shavings and cherries. This iconic cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious, perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress.

Preparation Details

• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Cooling and Assembly Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Cooking Intensity: Moderate

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot water

For the Cherry Filling

• 2 cups (300 g) pitted sweet or sour cherries (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry brandy) or water

For the Whipped Cream

• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

• ½ cup (50 g) chocolate shavings
• Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the buttermilk and dry ingredients, alternating between the two, until smooth. Stir in the hot water until fully combined. The batter will be thin.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the Kirsch (or water) and set aside to cool completely.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife if needed.
2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and brush lightly with Kirsch (optional). Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake and top with half of the cherry filling.
3. Add the second cake layer and repeat the process with whipped cream and the remaining cherry filling.
4. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream.

Step 5: Decorate

1. Press chocolate shavings onto the sides of the cake.
2. Garnish the top with dollops of whipped cream and place a cherry on each dollop. Add more chocolate shavings if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve with a side of extra cherries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an added treat.

Tips for Success

• Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to shave chocolate from a bar for perfect curls.
• Cherry Filling: Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your cherries.
• Stability: Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the whipped cream for a more stable frosting.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx. 12 Slices)**

• Calories: 390
• Total Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 29g
• Protein: 5g

Enjoy this elegant Black Forest Cake with its rich chocolate layers, tangy cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s the perfect dessert to impress family and friends. Guten Appetit!