Black Forest Cake – A Chocolate & Cherry Delight!

This iconic dessert combines layers of rich chocolate cake, luscious cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s a showstopper perfect for celebrations!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee (or boiling water)

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups (300g) pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp Kirsch (cherry brandy), optional

For the Whipped Cream:

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

For Decoration:

• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Whole cherries with stems

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
   • In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In another bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
   • Stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
   • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Cherry Filling:
   • In a saucepan, combine cherries and sugar over medium heat. Cook until the cherries release their juices.
   • Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
   • Remove from heat and stir in Kirsch if using. Let cool completely.
3. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
   • In a chilled bowl, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the cake, followed by a layer of cherry filling.
   • Repeat with the second layer, adding whipped cream and cherries.
   • Place the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with whipped cream.
5. Decorate:
   • Sprinkle the cake with chocolate shavings or curls and garnish with whole cherries.
6. Serve:
   • Chill the cake for at least an hour before serving for best results. Slice and enjoy this chocolate-cherry masterpiece!

Would you like tips for a non-alcoholic version or shortcuts for quicker assembly?