Recipe: German Black Forest Cake

 

German Black Forest Cake Recipes

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

  • 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

  • 3 cups pitted fresh or canned cherries (reserve the juice)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

  • 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
  4. Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cherry Filling:

  1. In a saucepan, combine the reserved cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Add the pitted cherries to the sauce and mix until they are well coated. Let the cherry filling cool completely.

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

  1. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assembly:

  1. Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream frosting over the top of the cake.
  2. Add a generous layer of cherry filling on top of the frosting.
  3. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process, adding another layer of frosting and cherry filling.
  4. Top with the third cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream frosting.
  5. Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate on the sides and top.
  6. Optionally, decorate the top with maraschino cherries for a classic Black Forest Cake look.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this German Black Forest Cake, a timeless classic that combines layers of moist chocolate cake, luscious cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream frosting. Each bite is a heavenly symphony of textures and tastes, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or any time you crave a delightful dessert. Serve this beautifully decorated cake to your loved ones and watch as they fall in love with the irresistible blend of chocolate and cherries. Happy baking!