Print

Black Forest Cake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Black Forest Cake is a classic German dessert made with rich chocolate cake layers, sweet cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s elegant, nostalgic, and indulgent—perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • For the chocolate cake:
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water or coffee
  • For the cherry filling and topping:
  • 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh, frozen, or jarred)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons kirsch or cherry juice
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • Chocolate shavings or curls (for garnish)
  • Extra cherries (for decorating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth, then stir in hot water or coffee.
  4. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
  5. In a saucepan, simmer cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and kirsch or juice until thickened. Cool.
  6. Whip cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  7. Slice each cake layer in half (optional) to make four layers.
  8. Layer cake with whipped cream and cherry filling. Frost top and sides with remaining whipped cream.
  9. Garnish with chocolate shavings and extra cherries.
  10. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

  • Use jarred Morello cherries when fresh aren’t available.
  • Fold in mascarpone for richer whipped cream.
  • Convert to cupcakes for a smaller treat.
  • Store covered in fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze cake layers (not assembled) for later use.

Nutrition

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