Chocolate Black Forest Cake Recipe

Chocolate Black Forest Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee or boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 jar (20 oz / ~570g) cherry pie filling or 2 cups pitted fresh cherries, cooked down with 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 tablespoons kirsch (cherry liqueur) optional

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• ½ cup (60g) chocolate shavings or curls
• Whole cherries (fresh or maraschino), for decoration

Instructions

1. Make the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until combined. Gradually mix in the hot coffee; the batter will be thin.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

1. If using fresh cherries, simmer them with sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened (about 10 minutes). Let cool.
2. Stir in kirsch, if desired, for a more traditional flavor.

3. Make the Whipped Cream Frosting:

1. Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl on high speed until stiff peaks form. Chill until ready to use.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create four thin layers (optional for extra layers).
2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream, followed by a layer of cherry filling. Repeat with remaining layers, finishing with a cake layer on top.
3. Frost the entire cake with whipped cream.
4. Decorate with chocolate shavings, curls, and whole cherries on top.

Tips:

• Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve chilled for best results.

Enjoy your indulgent, show-stopping Black Forest Cake!