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ByPolochelo

How to Make the Best Black Forest Cake

Black Forest cake, or “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte,” is a classic German dessert that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream, it’s a truly indulgent treat. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making the best Black Forest Cake:

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

  • 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water

For the Whipped Cream:

  • 3 cups heavy cream, chilled
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional:

  • Chocolate shavings (for decoration)
  • Maraschino cherries (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cake:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake rounds; set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
    • Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together until well combined.
    • Carefully add boiling water to the cake batter until well combined.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely.
  2. Make the Cherry Filling:
    • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and add dissolved cornstarch.
    • Stir continuously until the compote has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  3. Whip the Cream:
    • In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  4. Assemble the Cake:
    • Slice each cake layer horizontally into two even layers, giving you four layers total.
    • Place the first layer on your cake base. With a brush, apply a thin layer of cherry syrup from the cherry filling for added moisture.
    • Top it with a thick layer of whipped cream and a spoonful of cherry filling.
    • Repeat this process for each layer and cover the top and sides with whipped cream.
  5. Decorate:
    • Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top of the cake and place maraschino cherries around the perimeter.
  6. Refrigerate:
    • Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Enjoy your delicious Black Forest cake with a cup of coffee or as the grand finale to a special meal!