Name: Black Forest Cake
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: All-Purpose Flour (1¾ cups); Granulated Sugar (1½ cups); Cocoa Powder (¾ cup); Baking Powder (1½ tsp); Baking Soda (1½ tsp); Salt (1 tsp); Eggs (2 large); Whole Milk (1 cup); Vegetable Oil (½ cup); Vanilla Extract (2 tsp); Heavy Cream (2½ cups); Icing Sugar (½ cup); Brandy (2 tbsp); Vanilla Bean (1); Gelatin (3 tsp); Cherries from Amarena Cherry Conserve (1 cup, chopped); Amarena Cherry Syrup (¼ cup); Dark Chocolate (¾ cup); Fresh Cherries (8)

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The moment you walk into a kitchen filled with the rich aroma of chocolate, you know something wonderful is about to happen. As the smell wafts through the air, it promises layers of indulgent chocolate cake, light and fluffy whipped cream, and a hint of cherry that dances on your palate. Each slice of Black Forest Cake holds a story, and perhaps it takes you back to childhood birthday parties, where the laughter mingled with the sweet taste of frosting and fresh cherries. This cake is a celebration in itself, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy night in with friends. Just imagining that lush, chocolatey slice is enough to get anyone excited to bake!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Black Forest Cake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Black Forest Cake

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe for Black Forest Cake and create some sweet memories in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just an hour of prep and 30 minutes of baking, you can whip up this treat in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and tart cherries creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This gorgeous cake is bound to impress your guests with its stunning layers and fresh cherry decor.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or a Wednesday afternoon pick-me-up, this cake fits any occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: Looking for something lighter? You can easily adapt ingredients for gluten-free or dairy-free variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour (1¾ cups): Essential for structure, this flour provides the right texture for our layers. You could use cake flour for a lighter result.
Granulated Sugar (1½ cups): Sweetness is key! Feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Cocoa Powder (¾ cup): Use high-quality cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa gives a richer taste.
Baking Powder (1½ tsp): This leavening agent helps the cake rise beautifully, ensuring each slice is fluffy.
Baking Soda (1½ tsp): Works alongside baking powder to enhance the cake’s texture and rise.
Salt (1 tsp): A little salt balances the sweetness, amplifying the overall flavor.
Eggs (2 large): They add moisture and structure. For a vegan option, substitutes like flax eggs work too.
Whole Milk (1 cup): Adds richness; you can use almond or oat milk for lactose-free versions.
Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist. You can swap with melted coconut oil for a unique flavor.
Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Use pure vanilla extract for the best aroma and taste—vanilla bean paste is a fantastic substitute.
Heavy Cream (2½ cups): This creamy base is whipped for filling and frosting; for lower fat, light cream can work but lacks that rich texture.
Icing Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the whipped cream. You might consider powdered coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Brandy (2 tbsp): A splash enhances the flavor; substitute with rum or leave it out for a non-alcoholic cake.
Vanilla Bean (1): Using a whole bean intensifies the flavor; if unavailable, stick with extra vanilla extract.
Gelatin (3 tsp): It stabilizes the cream filling, ensuring your layers stay beautiful; vegan options like agar-agar work too.
Cherries from Amarena Cherry Conserve (1 cup, chopped): These aromatic cherries complement the chocolate perfectly; fresh cherries can also be used if you want a fresher taste.
Amarena Cherry Syrup (¼ cup): This syrup adds sweetness and moisture for the cake layers.
Dark Chocolate (¾ cup): Melted for ganache and drizzled on top; using high-quality dark chocolate ensures a rich flavor.
Fresh Cherries (8): For beautiful decoration, fresh cherries not only look pretty but also add vibrancy and flavor.

How to Make Black Forest Cake

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a spacious bowl, whisk together your sifted all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This mixture forms the foundation for your chocolate layers. Ensure you prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them lightly with butter or oil and dusting with flour.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract on medium speed for about two minutes, allowing the mixture to froth and become slightly lighter in color. Combine these wet ingredients with your dry mixture and mix until just incorporated—stop when you still see a few specks of flour; this keeps the texture tender.

Bake Until Golden: Pour your luscious cake batter evenly into the prepared pans. Place them on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the edges are slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan. Once done, remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare Gelatin: While the cakes are cooling, grab a 1-cup glass measuring cup and combine the cold water with the gelatin. Allow it to stand for around two minutes. Then, microwave it for 15 seconds until fully dissolved—this step is crucial for achieving stability in the whipped cream.

Incorporate Vanilla Bean: Take your vanilla bean, slice it lengthwise, and scrape the seeds into a mixing bowl featuring the heavy cream, icing sugar, and brandy. The seeds will elevate the flavor, and they are an integral part of this luxurious filling. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer until soft peaks begin to form.

Fold in Gelatin: Gradually drizzle in the warm gelatin mixture while continuing to beat the cream until stiff peaks form. This crucial step ensures that your whipped cream filling holds its shape beautifully during assembly.

Layer the Cakes: Take each cooled cake layer and carefully slice them horizontally, yielding four delicious layers. Brush the cut sides with the cherry syrup mixed with a touch of brandy; this infuses moisture and flavor into the cake. Begin layering by placing one layer on your cake stand, followed by a generous amount of the whipped cream filling, and then sprinkle chopped Amarena cherries before placing the next layer on top.

Frost the Cake: After stacking all the layers, use the remaining whipped cream to frost the sides and the top of your gorgeous Black Forest Cake. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; the beauty is in the homemade charm! Smooth it out to your liking.

Make the Ganache: For the irresistible chocolate ganache, heat the remaining half-cup of heavy cream in a saucepan until just before boiling. Pour it over your chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for a minute, then stir until silky smooth. This ganache will create lovely drips over the cake.

Decorate with Fresh Cherries: Drizzle the ganache generously over the edges of the frosted cake. You can use a piping bag to create rosettes on the top if you’re feeling fancy! Finally, adorn the cake with a sprinkle of grated chocolate and fresh cherries for that signature Black Forest look.

Chill to Set: Place this masterpiece in the fridge to allow the mousse filling and ganache to set. Give it at least a couple of hours—though overnight is best for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

You can store any leftover Black Forest Cake at room temperature for up to two days, though refrigerating it extends its life to about five days. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent cake drying. If you wish to freeze some slices, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before savoring. Note, the texture may soften slightly, but a quick refresh with a dollop of whipped cream can do wonders.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid dense layers, be careful not to overmix the batter once adding wet ingredients.
Ensure that your eggs and milk are at room temperature for better blending.
If your whipped cream collapses, it may be because it was overmixed or under-chilled, so monitor it closely for perfect stiff peaks.
Make it ahead! The flavors will only deepen, making each slice even more delicious a day or two later.
Drizzle the ganache while it’s still warm; this allows it to flow smoothly down the sides.
Consider adjusting sweetness based on personal preference by reducing icing sugar or using unsweetened whipped cream in layers.

The magic of Black Forest Cake lies in its timeless appeal and the indulgent experience it offers. From those tender chocolate layers to the bright notes of cherries and the silky whipped cream, every bite is a reminder of why we love baking. Don’t hesitate to play around with flavors or toppings to make this cake your own. Bring out the baker in you and enjoy each moment of the process!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake layers one or two days in advance. Just keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature and assemble the cake with cream and toppings on the day you plan to serve it for best results.

How do I ensure my cake layers don’t dry out?

Brushing the cake layers with a mixture of cherry syrup and brandy is vital for adding moisture. Also, avoid overbaking, and keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time.

Can I substitute the Amarena cherries?

While Amarena cherries lend a unique flavor, you can use fresh or frozen sour cherries, or even maraschino cherries in a pinch. Just be mindful that the flavor profile may vary slightly.

Can I make this cake chocolate-free?

If chocolate isn’t your thing, try replacing the chocolate layers with vanilla cake layers. You can still incorporate the cherry filling and whipped cream while maintaining the essence of a Black Forest-style dessert.