When it comes to indulgent desserts, few can rival the charm and elegance of Black Forest Cake. This German-inspired classic combines rich layers of chocolate cake, tart cherries, and fluffy whipped cream for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply treating yourself, this Black Forest Cake recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Cake Recipe

Black Forest Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The moist chocolate cake, the tangy cherry filling, and the creamy whipped topping come together in perfect harmony. This recipe takes the guesswork out of creating this stunning dessert, offering easy-to-follow steps and pro tips to make it achievable for home bakers of all levels.

Ingredients for Black Forest Cake

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules (optional)
• ¾ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 egg white

For the Cherry Filling and Chocolate Syrup Layer

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups tart cherries (frozen or canned, drained)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 6 tablespoons chocolate syrup, divided

For the Whipped Cream and Toppings

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 8 oz bittersweet baking chocolate (2 bars)
• 8–12 fresh cherries (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a liquid measuring cup, mix buttermilk, vanilla extract, and instant coffee granules (if using). Let sit for 5–10 minutes to dissolve the coffee granules.
4. In another large bowl, mix the vegetable oil and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and egg white, one at a time, mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
5. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 28–35 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick around the 25-minute mark.
8. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 15–20 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a small saucepan, stir together sugar and cornstarch until well combined.
2. Add the cherries and cook over medium-low heat until the cherries release their juices.
3. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils, about 4 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and almond extract. Let cool completely.

3. Prepare the Whipped Cream

1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
2. Refrigerate the whipped cream until ready to use.

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Slice each cooled cake layer in half horizontally, creating four thin cake layers.
2. Place one layer on a cake plate and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of chocolate syrup, spreading it evenly.
3. Add a layer of cherry filling, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Repeat the process with the second and third layers, adding chocolate syrup and cherry filling as you go.
5. Place the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with whipped cream.

5. Decorate

1. Use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings from the bittersweet chocolate bars.
2. Press the chocolate shavings onto the sides and top of the cake.
3. Pipe decorative rosettes of whipped cream on top of the cake and garnish with fresh cherries, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Keep It Cool: Refrigerate the cake layers before assembling to make slicing and frosting easier.
• Fresh or Canned Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit and cook them slightly with sugar and cornstarch for the filling.
• Chocolate Shavings Hack: Freeze the chocolate bars for 5 minutes before shaving to create clean curls.
• Whipped Cream Stability: Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the whipped cream if you need it to hold its shape for longer.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Carbohydrates	48g
Protein	6g
Total Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	14g
Sugar	30g
Sodium	210mg
Fiber	4g

FAQs About Black Forest Cake Recipe

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers and prepare the cherry filling a day in advance. Assemble and frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.

2. Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
While homemade whipped cream offers the best flavor and texture, you can use store-bought for convenience.

3. What if I don’t have Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
You can substitute natural cocoa powder, but the flavor may be slightly less rich.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Cover the cake and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour.

6. What’s the difference between Black Forest Cake and Chocolate Cake?
Black Forest Cake includes layers of cherry filling and whipped cream, while traditional chocolate cake is usually frosted with buttercream or ganache.

Why You Should Try This Black Forest Cake Recipe

Black Forest Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of flavors and textures. From the moist chocolate cake to the tangy cherry filling and the luscious whipped cream, every bite is a delight. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or special gathering, this recipe will make your celebration even more memorable.

Ready to Bake? Gather your ingredients and create this stunning Black Forest Cake today. Share it with friends and family or savor it as a well-deserved treat for yourself. You deserve it!

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