Kickstart your baking adventure with this luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake, a perfect blend of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream that promises to dazzle your taste buds. This recipe is a foolproof way to bring a piece of German tradition right into your kitchen, with a fun twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of moist chocolate cake, tart cherries, and sweet whipped cream creates a balanced flavor profile that’s irresistibly delicious.
- Using high-quality cocoa powder and fresh cherries elevates the cake from good to gourmet.
- The step-by-step instructions ensure even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking results.
- It’s a versatile recipe that allows for creative variations, making it a staple for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups pitted cherries, halved
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are perfectly blended for a uniform cake texture.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined. Carefully stir in the boiling water to thin the batter, which helps achieve that moist, tender crumb Black Forest cakes are known for.
Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Whip the Cream
While the cakes cool, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will be the fluffy, sweet layer that complements the rich chocolate and tart cherries beautifully.
Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the top, then scatter half of the cherries. Repeat with the second layer, more whipped cream, and the remaining cherries. For a show-stopping finish, dust the top with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
Tips and Tricks
For an even more decadent cake, consider soaking the cake layers in cherry liqueur before assembling. If fresh cherries aren’t available, high-quality canned cherries (drained well) can be a great substitute. To ensure your whipped cream stays firm, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. For a smoother cake assembly, level your cake layers with a serrated knife before stacking.
Recipe Variations
- Swap out the cherries for raspberries or strawberries for a different berry twist.
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for extra richness.
- Use a chocolate sponge cake instead of the cocoa-based cake for a lighter texture.
- Incorporate chopped nuts into the cake batter for added crunch.
- Try a dairy-free version by using coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it to keep the whipped cream fresh.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The whipped cream may soften over time, but the cake will still taste delicious.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the cake layers individually, wrapped tightly, before assembling. Thaw at room temperature and then proceed with the whipped cream and cherries.
Summary
This Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate, tart cherries, and sweet whipped cream into a decadent treat perfect for any occasion. With easy-to-follow instructions and tips for customization, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.