This Black Forest Cake Looks Impressive, Tastes Amazing & is So EASY! (2024)
This Black Forest Cake is made with a moist chocolate cake, fresh whipped cream, cherries and cherry liqueur, otherwise known as kirschwasser! It’s moist, delicious and full of flavor!
This recipe uses my moist chocolate cake as a base for the entire cake. If you’re looking for a seriously good, easy chocolate cake, that recipe is it!
Table of Contents
What Is Black Forest Cake?
How Do You Make Black Forest Cake?
What can I use in the Black Forest Cake instead of kirschwasser?
Black Forest Cake
What Is Black Forest Cake?
Black Forest Cake has been around for ages and is a traditional German cake known for its layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, cherries and most importantly, a clear liqueur made from sour cherries called kirschwasser. It’s a delicious cake that’s perfect for this time of year with all the fresh cherries available.
How Do You Make Black Forest Cake?
Step 1: Make the Cherry Mixture
To get started with this Black Forest Cake, you’ll make the cherry mixture. Traditionally, Black Forest Cake brushes the layers of chocolate cake with cherry liqueur and then adds chopped cherries to the whipped cream filling. I personally really like to taste my flavors and the cherries a little more, so I mixed it up a bit.
The cherry liqueur is gently cooked over the stove with the cherries. It softens the cherries up a bit and releases their juices. The filling is thickened up a bit with some cornstarch, but it’s still quite syrup-y. The whole mixture is delightful. You really taste the cherries and the liqueur and pretty much want to eat it with a spoon, though you’d have to be careful because it’s fairly strong.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Layers
Next up are the chocolate cake layers. I’m a big fan of this chocolate cake. It’s super moist and light and full of chocolate flavor! Plus, it’s super simple to make and could even be made with just a bowl and a whisk!
Step 3: Make Your Homemade Whipped Cream
Once the filling and cake layers are ready, it’s time to make the whipped cream. It’s a stabilized whipped cream that I use regularly and love. The powdered sugar is what stabilizes it, so be sure to leave it in the whipped cream. I know it might be tempting to reduce it, but it’s actually quite important here.
Step 4: Assemble Your Black Forest Cake
To build the cake, put your first cake layer on a serving plate, cake stand or cardboard cake round. Spread about a cup of the cherry and liqueur mixture onto the cake. The juices will soak into the chocolate cake and add more moisture and flavor to each layer. Top the cherries with an even layer of whipped cream and then repeat.
Frost the cake with the remaining whipped cream. You’ll want to be sure to add a somewhat thick layer of whipped cream to get full coverage. The chocolate cake will be visible through the whipped cream otherwise.
Step 5: Garnish with Cherries and Chocolate Ganache
The whole cake really is quite simple to make, as far as cakes go. The filling is quick, the chocolate cake is easy, peasy and the whipped cream frosting is about as easy as frosting can get. Not to mention that it’s so easy to actually apply to the cake and make look lovely with little effort. The only thing that’s a little more time consuming is pitting the cherries and for that, I’d recommend a good cherry pitter.
To finish off the cake, add a drizzle of chocolate ganache, a few swirls of whipped cream and a few more cherries! I also added some chocolate shavings for little texture! The final cake is not only beautiful and fun to look at, but it’s also delicious! The cherries and sour cherry liqueur really come through and compliment the light cream and chocolate cake so well. I also love the softness of the cherries. Such a classic flavor combination – and you can definitely see why.
What can I use in the Black Forest Cake instead of kirschwasser?
While I definitely recommend the cherry liqueur, you could use another liqueur with a fruity flavor, like raspberry. Something like Chambord might be tasty. If you’re looking to make the cake non-alcoholic, you can just substitute it with water.
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Recipe
Black Forest Cake
★★★★★5 from 10 reviews
Author:Life Love and Sugar
Prep Time:1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 15 minutes
Yield:12-14 slices
Category:Dessert
Method:Oven
Cuisine:American
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Description
This Black Forest Cake is made with a moist chocolate cake, fresh whipped cream, cherries and cherry liqueur, otherwise known as kirschwasser! It’s a delicious version of the classic German chocolate cake that you can make right at home!
Ingredients
CHERRY LIQUEUR MIXTURE
1/2 cup (104g) sugar
4 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup (60ml) cherry liqueur (or water)
3 cups (510g) pitted and quartered cherries
CHOCOLATE CAKE
1 3/4 cups (228g) all purpose flour
2 cups (414g) sugar
3/4 cup (85g) cocoa
2 1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup (240ml) milk
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) hot water
WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING
3 3/4 cups (900ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
2 cups (230g) powdered sugar
3 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
CHOCOLATE GANACHE
3 oz (1/2 cup | 86g) semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy whipping cream
Instructions
1. To make the cherry mixture, combine the sugar, cornstarch and liqueur (or water) in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and stir to combine. Heat until the mixture is wet and the sugar begins to melt. 2. Add the cherries and stir to coat them with the sugar mixture. Cook mixture until the cherries start to soften and let out juices. 3. Remove from heat when the cherries are juicy and the juice has begun to thicken. Pour the mixture into another bowl and refrigerate until cool. 4. To make the cake layers, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare three 8 inch cake pans with non-stick baking spray and parchment paper in the bottom. 5. Add the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt to a large mixer bowl and combine. Set aside. 6. Add the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and eggs to a medium sized bowl and combine. 7. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and beat until well combined. 8. Slowly add the hot water to the batter and mix on low speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined. 9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. 10. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to finish cooling. 11. To make the whipped cream, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract to a large mixer bowl. Whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form. 12. To layer the cake, first use a large serrated knife to remove the domes from the tops of the cakes so they are flat. See my tips on how to level a cake and how to stack a cake. 13. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or on a cardboard cake round. 14. Pipe a dam around the outside of the cake layer with some of the whipped cream. 15. Spread 3/4 to 1 cup of the cherry mixture on top of the cake, in the center of the dam. The juices will soak into the cake. 16. Fill in the rest of the dam with a layer of whipped cream and spread into an even layer. 17. Add the second layer of cake, then repeat steps 14 thru 16. 18. Add the third and final layer of cake on top. 19. Frost the top and outside of the cake with the whipped cream. Set the cake in the refrigerator. 20. To make the chocolate ganache, add the chocolate chips to a medium sized bowl (see my tips on making chocolate ganache). 21. Heat the heavy whipping cream just until it begins to boil, then pour over the chocolate chips. 22. Allow the chocolate and cream to sit for 1-2 minutes, the whisk until smooth. 23. Drizzle the chocolate ganache around the edge of the cake, then fill in the center. I just swirled it around the top in circles to make a neat looking design. See my tips on making a chocolate drip cake. 24. Pipe swirls of whipped cream around the top of the cake using the remaining whipped cream. 25. Finish off the cake with a few additional cherries and some chocolate shavings. To make the chocolate shavings, just run a vegetable peeler along the edge of a chocolate bar.
Cover and efrigerate cake until ready to serve. Cake is best when consumed within 2-3 days. I like to store my cakes in anairtight carrier(the cupcake inserts are removable for a nice, tall cake carrier).
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 Slice
Calories:656
Sugar:60.7 g
Sodium:406.5 mg
Fat:36.6 g
Carbohydrates:79.1 g
Protein:8 g
Cholesterol:106.1 mg
Keywords: black forest cake, blast forest recipe, cherry liqueur dessert, german black forest cake, german chocolate cake, simple black forest cake, easy black forest cake, how to make black forest cake
Filed Under:
Cakes and Cupcakes
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Sweets and Treats
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Black forest cake is the perfect amalgamation of chocolate, whipped cream frosting and cherry liqueur garnished with fresh cherries. It looks decadent and tastes heavenly and that is all one needs for any sweet and joyous celebration.
Black Forest cake is popular for several reasons. First, it has a rich and decadent flavor profile that appeals to many people. The combination of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries creates a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors. Second, it has a distinctive appearance that makes it stand out.
What's the difference between black forest cake and regular chocolate cake? Black forest cake is chocolate cake with cherries either in the batter, as a filling, or both and it's usually covered in whipped cream and chocolate ganache.
“It's believed that Black Cake is evolved from British colonizer's plum pudding – we added dried fruit, spices, and of course rum, and created something special and unique to us.” Despite its problematic history, Black Cake has been embraced as a symbol of the creativity and resourcefulness of Caribbean people.
Black Forest gâteau (German: Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, pronounced [ˈʃvaʁt͡svɛldɐ ˈkɪʁʃˌtɔʁtə] ( listen) literally "Black Forest Cherry-torte"), also called Black Forest cake (American English) is a chocolate and cream cake with a rich cherry filling based on a German dessert.
FAQs: What is the difference between black forest cake and chocolate cake? Black forest cake is traditionally made with chocolate sponge cake layers brushed with kirsch, cherry filling, and whipped cream as frosting. It's decorated with maraschino cherries and chocolate shavings.
Today, Black Forest cake is well known worldwide and one of the most popular cakes in Germany, though it was only listed as the thirteenth most famous German cake in 1949.
Storage: This cake is best enjoyed the day it's made. Refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy within 2 to 3 days. The whipped cream doesn't have the stabilizers that store-bought frosting or buttercream does.
A good cake must smell as good as it looks and tastes. The aroma has to be pleasant and appetizing. It should not be flat, nor should it be overpowering. And if there is any tangy, musty, or sharp aroma in your cake, it is probably spoiled.
The 16th century was when chocolate was first integrated into cakes and other baked goods, symbolizing a dark, mysterious ambience that the forests were famous for. Add in some tart cherries with cream, and the cake (also called a gateau) brings forth a blend of flavors that the Germans can certainly be proud of.
Dreaming of eating a cake – In most cases, a dream in which you indulge in cake suggests contentment, enjoyment, and even exaggeration. In most cases, this dream represents your feelings of affection for another person. Your maternal and protective personality is shown in your dream as well.
For Many Caribbean Immigrants, It Wouldn't Be Christmas Without Black Cake. Black cake, a rich, molasses-spiced cake filled with drunken dried fruits, is a part of Christmas festivities throughout the Caribbean. The cake varies from island to island. Above, a black cake recipe from Trinidad.
A common misconception is that the gateau takes its name from the region of its origin: the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) mountain range in south-western Germany, whereas, the Black Forest Gateau actually takes its name from a distinctive and fiery kirsch alcohol made from Black Forest sour cherries, known as ...
Why Is It Called the Black Forest? The Romans gave the mountain range the name “Black Forest” because of the densely packed conifer trees — which are very dark green — found in the area.
This dessert is usually loaded with oil, butter, cream cheese, and sugar in addition to carrots making it difficult to fit into a healthy diet. The average slice of carrot cake contains 800 calories, with 480 of these calories coming from fat.
The "Diamond Cake" by Debbie Wingham - Price: $75 million
An amalgamation of luxury and confectionary art, it's embedded with more than 4000 diamonds, including pink, yellow, and white ones, making it not just a cake but a jewelled masterpiece. It's no wonder it holds the crown for the most expensive cake in the world!
You've guessed it right! Chocoholics' favorite dense and moist chocolate cake ranks top of the list. Glazing the cake with a thick chocolate ganache is one of the most popular ways to enjoy this dessert!
On that note, white forest cakes are the reigning champion for people prefer them as their first choice for wedding cakes. The colour white has long been associated with weddings across different cultures and rituals, so it is no surprise that this cake has become synonymous with marriage ceremonies.
Is a red velvet cake tastier than a black forest? No. A BFG has multitudes of chocolate cake layers, real whipped cream, kirsch infused cherries and chocolate adornments. A red velvet is often a dry, red coloured fairly flavourless chocolate cake smothered in an overly sweet vanilla buttercream.
Naturally, Black Forest cake is popular in Germany but it is also considered a traditional dessert in Austria, Switzerland and Italy (especially in the northern region of Trentino Alto Adige).
Though the cake has a long history, the first printed recipes only appeared in the early 1900s. Several pioneering chefs are credited with inventing this cake, including Joseph Keller in 1915 and Edwin Hildebrand in 1934.
A modern take on the black forest cake, this cake has layers of Kirsch-soaked chocolate sponge, fresh cream and chopped Griottine cherries. Finished with a dark chocolate drizzle and gold-dusted Kirsch-soaked cherries. This cake contains alcohol.
In addition to freeze black forest cake that has not been arranged, you can also store black forest cake that has been decorated with cream and cherries. When the cake is finished with cream, add to the freezer to freeze the cream.
Kirsch is the traditional cherry flavored liqueur used in black forest cake, so I highly recommend using it instead of a substitute. However, to make the cake alcohol free you can replace it with cherry juice.
Bake the cake, let it cool, and wrap well with plastic wrap/aluminum foil before placing into the freezer. You can store the chocolate cake in the freezer for up to 1 month. The night prior to assembling the cake, remove from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
Delicious meals are tasty, appetizing, scrumptious, yummy, luscious, delectable, mouth-watering, fit for a king, delightful, lovely, wonderful, pleasant, enjoyable, appealing, enchanting, charming. You wouldn't call delicious that what is tasteless or unpleasant.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for the wonderful job you did with our wedding cake. It couldn't have been more perfect. It was so beautiful and tasted so good. It was hard to put the top in the freezer as we wanted to keep eating this delicious cake.
Some common synonyms of tasty are appetizing, palatable, savory, and toothsome. While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," tasty implies a pronounced taste.
Since 1997, the term Black Forest ham has been a Protected Geographical Indication in the European Union, which means that any product sold in the EU as Black Forest ham must be traditionally and at least partially manufactured (prepared, processed or produced) within the Black Forest region in Germany.
A Black Forest cake (or Black Forest gâteau) is a layered chocolate sponge cake with a rich cherry filling. It's based on a German dessert called Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, which means "Black Forest Cherry-torte.” Typically, the chocolate layers are sandwiched with whipped cream and cherries.
Black Forest Cake is perhaps Germany's most well-known and most-loved cake. It consists of a chocolate cake with a filling of fresh cream and cherries soaked in Kirschwasser, a clear cherry schnaps that is a specialty in the Black Forest.
The mountain range is known for its lushness, lakes, rivers, gorgeous valleys, and wildlife and has some of the best hiking trails and water sports in the summer. The mountain range runs north to south, with the Rhine Valley to the west. In addition, the Danube River originates in the Black Forest.
What is the difference between white forest cake and black forest cake? A black forest cake has chocolate cake layers while a white forest cake has vanilla layers. Both are filled with whipped cream and cherries.
The difference between chocolate cake and Black Forest cake is the cherries. Traditional chocolate cake doesn't contain cherries but Black Forest cake has cherry liqueur between the layers of the chocolate cake and chopped up cherries in the cream filling.
A common misconception is that the gateau takes its name from the region of its origin: the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) mountain range in south-western Germany, whereas, the Black Forest Gateau actually takes its name from a distinctive and fiery kirsch alcohol made from Black Forest sour cherries, known as ...
One look at this cake and its decadence is evident: every bite will unleash layers of chocolatey goodness. We are, of course, referring to the Black Forest Cake from Germany, one of the most popular and beloved cakes around the globe. The lavish dessert is also known as Black Forest gateau.
Black forest cake, which originated in the Black Forest region of Germany, is typically made with a light chocolate sponge cake, soaked with cherry syrup and cherry brandy (Kirsch), then layered with whipped cream and cherries.
On that note, white forest cakes are the reigning champion for people prefer them as their first choice for wedding cakes. The colour white has long been associated with weddings across different cultures and rituals, so it is no surprise that this cake has become synonymous with marriage ceremonies.
It's known for its chocolate sponge cake layers and whipped cream topped with tart cherries to give it a distinct sweet-tart flavor profile. The taste can be described as richly chocolaty from the dark cocoa powder used in the sponges while still being tart from using tart cherries.
Storage: This cake is best enjoyed the day it's made. Refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy within 2 to 3 days. The whipped cream doesn't have the stabilizers that store-bought frosting or buttercream does.
Unlike traditional German black forest cake that's made with layers of decadent chocolate sponge, rich cherry filling and topped with whipped cream, Swiss Pastry Shop's black forest cake is made with light and airy layers of almond meringue known as dacquoise (dah-kwahz), whipped cream and plenty of chocolate shavings.
Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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