Black Forest Cake Recipe

Black Forest Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water

• For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups (500 g) pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup (60 ml) cherry liqueur (Kirsch, optional)

• For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream (cold)
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For Decoration:

• 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (shaved or grated)
• Whole cherries for topping

Instructions:

Bake the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans.

In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

Gradually add the boiling water while mixing. The batter will be thin, but that's normal.

Divide the batter between the cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.

Prepare the Cherry Filling:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens.

Remove from heat and let it cool. Stir in cherry liqueur (if using).

Make the Whipped Cream:

In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cake:

Cut the two cake layers in half horizontally, making four thin layers.

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Brush lightly with cherry syrup (from the filling).

Spread a layer of whipped cream, then add some cherry filling.

Repeat with the next layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.

Decorate:

Cover the sides of the cake with whipped cream and press chocolate shavings onto it.

Pipe small swirls of whipped cream on top and place whole cherries on each swirl.

Sprinkle more chocolate shavings on top.

Chill & Serve:

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Slice and enjoy this rich and creamy Black Forest Cake!