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Black Forest Cake

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Black Forest Cake is a classic German dessert made with layers of moist chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries, often soaked in kirsch (cherry brandy), and topped with chocolate shavings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup kirsch (cherry brandy)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups canned or jarred sour cherries, drained (reserve some syrup)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or curls for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
  4. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with buttermilk. Mix in hot water until smooth.
  5. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
  6. Once cooled, slice each cake horizontally to make four layers total.
  7. Sprinkle each layer with reserved cherry syrup mixed with kirsch.
  8. Whip the cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  9. Assemble cake by layering chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries. Repeat layers, finishing with whipped cream on top.
  10. Decorate with chocolate shavings and additional cherries if desired.
  11. Chill cake for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit kirsch and use cherry juice.
  • Fresh cherries can be used when in season.
  • Ensure cakes are completely cooled before layering to avoid melting the cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Forest Cake, German dessert, chocolate cherry cake, whipped cream cake

Find it online: https://recipesfoodeasy.com/black-forest-cake/