Are you ready to dive into a rich, velvety, and utterly decadent dessert experience? Look no further! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you the ultimate guide to making a classic Black Forest Cake that will impress even the most discerning palates. This iconic German dessert, known for its layers of chocolate cake soaked in cherry liqueur, topped with whipped cream, and adorned with cherries, is a true showstopper. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat your family to something extraordinary, this recipe is here to guide you every step of the way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A classic dessert with a modern twist, perfect for any occasion
- Moist and flavorful chocolate cake layers
- Easy to follow instructions for a professional-looking result
- Perfect for quick family dinners or special celebrations
- Can be made ahead of time for convenience
Ingredients
To make this stunning Black Forest Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (sifted)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Cherry Syrup:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup cherry liqueur
Whipped Cream:
- 3 cups whipping cream (cold)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
Garnish:
- 250g good quality dark chocolate (chopped)
- 2 1/2 cups cherries (pitted and cut in half)
- 1 bar dark chocolate (for shavings, optional)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s break down the process into simple steps:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Don’t skip this step—it ensures your cakes will release smoothly after baking.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, hot water or coffee, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. The batter should be smooth and free of lumps.
3. Bake the Cakes:
Distribute the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cherry Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and cherry liqueur. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Let cool before use.
5. Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Brush the top with some of the cherry syrup. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the top. Repeat this process with the second and third layers, creating a stacked effect. Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining whipped cream.
6. Decorate:
Arrange the cherries on top of the cake. For an extra touch, shave some dark chocolate over the top. You can also learn how to create beautiful chocolate flowers to add a decorative touch. And if you’re looking to make your dessert truly Instagram-worthy, check out these 5 tips to make your dishes social media famous.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to ensure tender cake layers.
- Let the cake cool completely before assembling to prevent sogginess.
- For a professional finish, consider making perfect chocolate ganache for drizzling.
How to Serve
Black Forest Cake is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together. Slice into generous portions and enjoy as a dessert or special treat. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine for an adult-only indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the cake layers and syrup up to a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers at room temperature. The assembled cake can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving. Leftovers should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 3 days.
There you have it—your ultimate guide to making a classic Black Forest Cake! With these simple steps and pro tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Happy baking!
Black Forest Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder sifted
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup cherry liqueur
- 3 cups whipping cream cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 250 g good quality dark chocolate chopped
- 2 1/2 cups cherries pitted and cut in half
- 1 bar dark chocolate for shavings (optional)
- cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add oil, buttermilk, hot water or coffee, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and cherry liqueur. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool.
- Split each cake layer in half horizontally. Brush each layer with the cherry syrup. Spread whipped cream and cherries on each layer, then stack them.
- Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining whipped cream and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Top with dark chocolate shavings if desired.
