Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake

The Black Forest Cherry Cake is a classic German dessert that combines rich chocolate cake, layers of luscious whipped cream, and sweet-tart cherry filling. It’s a perfect indulgence for special occasions, holidays, or when you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert. This recipe brings together the ultimate combination of flavors and textures—moist chocolate cake, fluffy cream, and juicy cherries—for an unforgettable treat.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 jar cherry pie filling
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• Fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent the cakes from sticking and to ensure easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps remove any lumps in the cocoa powder and creates a smoother batter.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This mixture should be creamy and slightly thick.
4. Combine and Add Water:
   Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing continuously. The batter will become thin, but this is normal—it results in a moist and tender cake. Make sure the batter is well-mixed and smooth.
5. Bake the Cakes:
   Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Whip the Cream:
   While the cakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it can turn into butter. You want the cream to hold its shape but still be light and airy.
7. Assemble the Cake:
   Once the cakes are completely cool, carefully slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top. Follow this with a layer of cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly. Repeat this process with the next two layers of cake, whipped cream, and cherry filling.
8. Decorate the Cake:
   Top the cake with the final layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream. To finish, garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation. The chocolate shavings add texture and richness, while the cherries enhance the cake’s visual appeal.

Additional Tips (Serving & Storage)

Serving Suggestions:

• This cake is best served chilled, allowing the whipped cream to set and the flavors to meld. Serve slices with extra cherries on the side for an extra fruity touch.
• For an even more indulgent version, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the top or between the layers.

Storage:

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will continue to develop, making the cake even more delicious the next day.
• If you want to make the cake ahead of time, you can bake the cake layers and whip the cream a day in advance. Assemble the cake right before serving for the freshest taste.

FAQs About Black Forest Cherry Cake

1. Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of store-bought?
   Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own cherry filling, simply simmer fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice until the mixture thickens. This will give your cake a more authentic and personalized flavor.
2. Can I substitute the whipped cream with another frosting?
   While traditional Black Forest cakes use whipped cream, you can substitute it with stabilized whipped cream or a light buttercream if you need the frosting to hold up for longer periods.
3. What’s the best way to cut the cake layers evenly?
   To slice the cake layers evenly, use a long serrated knife or a cake leveler. A good trick is to mark the cake all the way around before cutting, so you have a guide for an even slice.
4. How do I prevent the cake from being too dry?
   Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overbaking. You can also brush each cake layer with a simple syrup (made from equal parts sugar and water) before assembling to add extra moisture.
5. Can I add alcohol for a more traditional Black Forest cake?
   Yes! A traditional Black Forest cake often includes kirsch (cherry liqueur). You can brush a small amount of kirsch onto each cake layer before adding the whipped cream and cherries for a boozy twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 35g
• Protein: 5g

This Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake is a show-stopping dessert that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. The rich chocolate layers, sweet-tart cherries, and fluffy whipped cream come together to create an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday dinner, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is sure to be a hit!