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Easy Black Forest Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

This Easy Black Forest Cake recipe combines rich chocolate cake layers with a luscious cherry filling and whipped cream frosting, topped with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries. Perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a classic German-inspired dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Cherry Filling

  • 2 cups fresh or canned pitted cherries
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry liqueur) (optional)

Whipped Cream Frosting

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Fresh cherries

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined, forming the cake base.
  4. Add Boiling Water: Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing; this helps create a moist and tender crumb in the cake.
  5. Divide and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans, making sure both are level. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Cakes: Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.
  7. Make Cherry Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries and granulated sugar. Cook until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
  8. Thicken Filling: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a smooth paste. Stir this into the cherry mixture and cook until thickened.
  9. Add Kirsch (Optional): Stir in the cherry liqueur if using, then allow the cherry filling to cool to room temperature.
  10. Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy frosting.
  11. Assemble Cake Layer 1: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving platter, spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the surface, then spoon a portion of the cherry filling on top.
  12. Top with Second Layer and Frost: Add the second cake layer on top, then frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream evenly.
  13. Decorate: Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries for an elegant finishing touch.
  14. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the cake to set.

Notes

  • You can substitute sour cherries with sweet cherries if preferred, but sour cherries provide a traditional tart contrast.
  • Kirsch is optional but adds authentic flavor; if unavailable, you can omit it or replace with cherry juice.
  • For best results, chill the bowl and beaters before whipping the cream to help it whip faster and hold shape.
  • Ensure cakes are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
  • This cake is best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain freshness, stored covered in the refrigerator.

Keywords: Black Forest Cake, Chocolate Cake, Cherry Dessert, Whipped Cream Cake, German Cake, Easy Cake Recipe

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/easy-black-forest-cake-recipe/