Description
Black Forest Cake
A classic German dessert featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, luscious cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Perfect for any special occasion or whenever you’re craving a rich, fruity, and chocolatey treat!
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 can cherry pie filling
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
Add Boiling Water: Stir in the boiling water slowly until the batter becomes smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay!
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
Layer and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top, then cover the entire cake with whipped cream, making sure to frost the top and sides generously.
Decorate: Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings and extra cherry pie filling for a beautiful and delicious finish.
Chill and Serve: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let all the flavors meld together.
Enjoy this indulgent Black Forest Cake!
Perfect for celebrating any occasion!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12
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Step-by-Step Guide
For a flawless cake, follow these detailed steps. After mixing your thin batter, use a kitchen scale to divide it equally between the two prepared pans for even layers. While the cakes cool completely, make your stabilized whipped cream by adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar and a teaspoon of cornstarch per cup of cream before whipping; this prevents deflation. When assembling, use a serrated knife to level the top of each cake layer if they have domed. Create a “dam” by piping a thick circle of whipped cream around the edge of the first layer before adding the cherry filling; this keeps the filling neatly contained. Chill the cake for a full hour before slicing with a hot, dry knife for clean pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Serve each slice with a dollop of extra whipped cream and a fresh, pitted cherry on the side. For an adult twist, drizzle a small amount of Kirsch (cherry brandy) over the cake layers before assembly. Pair with a strong cup of black coffee or a glass of dessert wine to balance the sweetness. This cake is perfect as a show-stopping centerpiece for birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties.
How-to Summary
To make Black Forest Cake: Mix dry ingredients, add wet ingredients and boiling water to form a thin batter. Bake in two pans at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely. Assemble by layering one cake, cherry filling, and the second cake. Frost entirely with whipped cream and decorate with chocolate shavings. Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling? Yes, but you must cook them down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to create a compote, as fresh cherries will make the cake soggy.
How can I make this cake ahead of time? Bake the chocolate layers up to two days in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. Assemble and frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.
Why is my whipped cream frosting runny? This happens if the cream, bowl, or beaters are not cold enough, or if you overbeat it. Ensure everything is chilled and stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form.
Can I use a different frosting? Traditional Black Forest Cake uses whipped cream. Buttercream is too sweet and heavy, but a chocolate ganache can be used for a richer, though non-traditional, version.
How should I store leftovers? Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream may soften but will remain safe to eat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assembling the cake while the layers are still warm, causing the whipped cream to melt.
- Overmixing the batter after adding the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Using a runny, unstabilized whipped cream that collapses and soaks into the cake.
- Spreading the cherry filling too close to the edge, causing it to spill out when the top layer is added.
- Skipping the chilling step, which is crucial for the cake to set and slice neatly.
Conclusion
Mastering the Black Forest Cake is a rewarding baking achievement. By following this enhanced guide, paying attention to the detailed steps, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a stunning, authentic dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate, tart cherries, and light cream. This timeless classic is sure to impress and become a requested favorite for any celebration.