Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is a classic German dessert made with moist layers of chocolate sponge cake, lightly sweetened whipped cream, and juicy cherries. It’s finished with more whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and whole cherries for a beautiful and festive look. This recipe serves 8.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
½ cup hot water or hot coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Filling:
1½ cups canned or jarred sour cherries (drained, save juice)
½ cup cherry juice or syrup
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon kirsch (cherry brandy, optional)
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
2 cups heavy whipping cream (chilled)
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
Chocolate shavings or curls
Fresh or maraschino cherries
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients, then stir in the hot water or coffee. The batter will be thin.
Divide evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a small saucepan, mix cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in cherries and kirsch (if using). Let cool.
3. Make the Whipped Cream
Whip chilled cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Keep cold until needed.
4. Assemble the Cake
Slice each cake into 2 layers (for a 4-layer cake) or use as-is for 2 thicker layers.
Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a layer of cherry filling (not too wet), followed by whipped cream. Repeat with remaining layers. Spread whipped cream over the top and sides.
5. Decorate
Press chocolate shavings onto the sides and top. Pipe extra whipped cream around the edges and top with cherries.
Tips for Best Results
Use kirsch for authentic flavor, or skip for a non-alcoholic version
Let the cake chill before serving for easier slicing
Make the cake a day ahead for deeper flavor
Black Forest Cake is rich, soft, and filled with a perfect balance of chocolate, cream, and fruit.
