Black Forest Cherry Cake, also known as Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte, is a classic German dessert known for its layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries. Here’s a recipe to create this delightful cake:
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pitted sour cherries in water or light syrup, drained (reserve 1/2 cup of the liquid)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 3 cups (720ml) heavy cream, chilled
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
Instructions:
- Chocolate Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the boiling water, mixing until the batter is thin.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Cherry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine drained cherries, reserved cherry liquid, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils. Continue boiling and stirring for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
- Whipped Cream Frosting:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Assembly:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops if necessary.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake, then spread a third of the cherry filling evenly over the whipped cream.
- Repeat with the second layer of cake, whipped cream, and cherry filling.
- Top with the third cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings or curls.
- Optionally, garnish with maraschino cherries on top.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious Black Forest Cherry Cake!
This cake is rich, creamy, and bursting with the flavors of chocolate and cherries—a perfect treat for any occasion!