How to Make Classic Black Forest Cake

To make a classic Black Forest Cake, you need to prepare each component carefully, from the chocolate cake layers to the cherry filling and whipped cream topping. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious and iconic dessert.

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 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
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream (chilled)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (optional)
• Maraschino cherries or fresh cherries with stems for decoration

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until well combined.
• Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s expected.
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices, about 5-8 minutes.
• Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the cherry filling to cool completely.

3. Make the Whipped Cream:

• In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
• Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cakes have cooled, use a serrated knife to slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers.
• Place the first layer of cake on a serving platter. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the cake, followed by a layer of cherry filling. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, ending with whipped cream on top.
• Decorate the top of the cake with any remaining cherries and whipped cream. If desired, sprinkle chocolate shavings or grated chocolate around the top and sides for extra decoration.

5. Chill and Serve:

• Refrigerate the Black Forest Cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up slightly.
• Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the rich layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and tangy cherries.

With its combination of light chocolate cake, fresh cherries, and whipped cream, Black Forest Cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether for a special occasion or an indulgent treat, this classic dessert will always impress.