Black Forest cake is a beloved classic that combines layers of rich chocolate cake, luscious cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream. This indulgent dessert is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, a homemade Black Forest cake is sure to do the trick. In this article, we’ll share a delightful Black Forest cake recipe that will have you savoring every decadent bite.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) pitted cherries, drained (reserve 1/2 cup of the cherry juice)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly and Garnish:
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until well combined. Reduce the speed and carefully add the boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The cakes should be springy to the touch.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cherry filling. In a saucepan, combine the reserved cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the drained cherries and almond extract. Let the cherry filling cool completely.
- To make the whipped cream, place the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cakes and cherry filling have cooled, it’s time to assemble the Black Forest cake. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cherry filling on top. Then add a layer of whipped cream.
- Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream. Smooth the top and sides with a spatula.
- Decorate the cake with dark chocolate shavings and maraschino cherries. You can also pipe some whipped cream rosettes on top for an extra touch of elegance.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Slice and serve this luscious Black Forest cake, savoring the combination of moist chocolate cake, tart cherries, and creamy whipped topping.
This Black Forest cake recipe is a true showstopper, perfect for special occasions or any time you want to indulge in a little bit of luxury. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, it’s no wonder that Black Forest cake has become a beloved dessert worldwide. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the decadence, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delightful Black Forest cake.