Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Cream

Dive into the decadent world of German baking with this classic Black Forest Cake. Known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, this stunning dessert features layers of moist chocolate sponge, a luscious cherry filling, and clouds of light whipped cream. It's a celebration in every bite, perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a truly showstopping treat.

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The combination of deep chocolate, tart cherries, and creamy frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each layer tells a part of the story, from the rich, earthy cake to the bright, fruity filling, all enveloped in a delicate whipped cream blanket. This recipe guides you through creating this masterpiece from scratch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water
• 2 cups (350 g) pitted dark sweet cherries (fresh or jarred, drained)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cherry juice or syrup
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp kirsch (cherry brandy), optional
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 oz (85 g) dark chocolate, for shavings
• Extra cherries (fresh or maraschino), for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Gradually add boiling water and mix until combined (batter will be thin).

Step 4

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 5

For the cherry filling: In a small saucepan, combine cherries, cherry juice, and sugar. Bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in kirsch (if using), and cool completely.

Step 6

For the whipped cream: Beat cold cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on high speed until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled.

Step 7

Slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create four layers total.

Step 8

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Brush with cherry syrup. Spread with a layer of cherry filling, then a layer of whipped cream.

Step 9

Repeat with remaining layers, finishing with whipped cream on top and sides.

Step 10

Decorate with chocolate shavings and extra cherries. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Stellen Sie sicher, dass alle Zutaten für den Kuchen Raumtemperatur haben (außer dem kochenden Wasser), um eine gleichmäßige Vermischung zu gewährleisten. Beim Schlagen der Sahne ist es wichtig, dass sowohl die Sahne als auch die Schüssel sehr kalt sind, um steife Spitzen zu erzielen. Ein versetzter Spatel ist unerlässlich, um die Sahne glatt und professionell auf der Torte zu verteilen.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für eine alkoholfreie Variante lassen Sie den Kirsch einfach weg und verwenden stattdessen zusätzlichen Kirschsaft. Für einen traditionelleren, leicht säuerlichen Geschmack verwenden Sie eingemachte Sauerkirschen in hellem Sirup. Die Menge des Zuckers in der Füllung kann je nach Süße Ihrer Kirschen angepasst werden.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie diese Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte gekühlt, um die Schichten fest und die Sahne stabil zu halten. Ein Stück passt wunderbar zu einer Tasse starken Kaffees. Garnieren Sie jede Scheibe mit einer zusätzlichen Kirsche und ein paar Schokoladenspänen für eine elegante Präsentation.

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With its beautiful layers and classic flavors, this Black Forest Cake is more than just a dessert—it's an experience. Enjoy the process of creating this masterpiece and the delight of sharing it with friends and family. Guten Appetit!

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes Black Forest cake authentic?

Traditional Black Forest cake must contain kirsch (cherry brandy), sour cherries rather than sweet, and chocolate sponge layers. The combination of these three elements creates the distinctive flavor profile that originated in the Black Forest region of Germany.

→ Can I make this dessert alcohol-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the kirsch from the cherry filling and brush the cake layers with extra cherry syrup instead. The dessert will still have wonderful cherry flavor, though slightly less complex depth.

→ How far in advance can I prepare this?

The chocolate layers can be baked and frozen up to a month ahead. The cherry filling keeps for 5 days refrigerated. However, assemble the cake no more than 24 hours before serving, as the whipped cream may begin to break down and the cake layers can become soggy.

→ What type of cherries work best?

Traditional recipes call for sour morello cherries preserved in syrup. These provide the necessary tartness to balance the sweet cream and rich chocolate. If using fresh sweet cherries, reduce the sugar in the filling and consider adding a splash of lemon juice.

→ Why is my chocolate sponge dense?

Overmixing the batter once flour is added develops gluten, creating a tough texture. Additionally, ensure your boiling water is truly hot—the temperature helps activate the cocoa and create steam for a lighter crumb. Measure ingredients precisely, especially the flour.

→ How do I create perfect chocolate shavings?

Use a sharp vegetable peeler on a slightly chilled chocolate bar. Warm chocolate melts too quickly, while frozen chocolate shatters. Hold the bar at a 45-degree angle and draw the peeler toward you. Collect shavings on a chilled plate and store in the refrigerator until needed.