Black Forest Cake Recipe
Black Forest Cake, also known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is a famous dessert from the Black Forest region in Germany. This cake is made with chocolate sponge cake, cherry filling, and whipped cream, and it is typically decorated with cherries and chocolate shavings. It is a rich and decadent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or just for indulging in something sweet.
Ingredients: For the chocolate sponge cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups buttermilk
For the cherry filling:
2 cans (14.5 oz each) pitted tart cherries, drained
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon almond extract
For the whipped cream:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For decoration:
Fresh cherries
Chocolate shavings
Kitchen equipment
Two 9-inch cake pans
Parchment paper
Electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Wire cooling rack
Cake leveler (optional)
Piping bag and tip (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Gradually beat in the oil and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, make the cherry filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the drained cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
Make the whipped cream by beating the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Use a cake leveler to trim the top of the cake if needed.
Spread half of the cherry filling over the top of the cake, leaving a small border around the edge.
Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cherry filling.
Place the second cake layer on top of the whipped cream and repeat the process with the remaining cherry filling and whipped cream.
Decorate the top of the cake with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Calorie intake: Each slice of Black Forest Cake (1/12 of the cake) contains approximately 440-480 calories, depending on the size of the slice and the amount of whipped cream used. It is important to note that this cake is a high calorie and high fat dessert, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Allergy concerns: This recipe contains wheat, eggs, and dairy. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, you can substitute them with gluten-free flour, egg substitutes, and non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk and coconut cream.
Spicy level: This recipe does not contain any spicy ingredients.
Healthy alternatives: To make this recipe a bit healthier, you can substitute some of the ingredients with healthier alternatives. For example, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, reduce the amount of sugar used, and use a lighter whipped cream made with Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Kitchen equipment and ingredients on Amazon:
9-inch cake pans: https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Performance-Pans-Aluminum-9-Inch/dp/B0000DIX7J/
Parchment paper: https://www.amazon.com/Reynolds-Kitchens-Parchment-Paper-Roll/dp/B07BT1V7NJ/
Electric mixer: https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KSM150PSER-5-Qt-All-Metal-Stand/dp/B00005UP2P/
Mixing bowls: https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Nesting-Microwavable-6-Piece/dp/B001AS6GAY/
Wire cooling rack: https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Cooling-Grid-Black-2105-4593/dp/B004EBUJT8/
Cake leveler: https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Cake-Leveler-Adjustable/dp/B0000CFMZN/
Piping bag and tip: https://www.amazon.com/Weetiee-Reusable-Piping-Silicone-Decorating/dp/B07YCBZJVM/
All-purpose flour: https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Medal-Unbleached-All-Purpose-Flour/dp/B000R33OGO/
Unsweetened cocoa powder: https://www.amazon.com/Hersheys-Cocoa-Unsweetened-23oz-Canister/dp/B00P2NU4K4/
Baking powder: https://www.amazon.com/Rumford-Baking-Powder-8-1-Ounce/dp/B00WNVV7YC/
Baking soda: https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Red-Mill-Sodium-Bicarbonate/dp/B004VLVDU2/
Salt: https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Crystal-Iodized-Table-1lb/dp/B0001CXUHW/
Granulated sugar: https://www.amazon.com/Domino-Premium-Pure-Cane-Sugar/dp/B00HSTJ5XS/
Vegetable oil: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonFresh-Canola-Oil-32-oz/dp/B07BJ4CZBZ/
Vanilla extract: https://www.amazon.com/McCormick-All-Natural-Pure-Vanilla-Extract/dp/B00I2HEVNW/
Buttermilk: https://www.amazon.com/Saco-Powdered-Buttermilk-12oz-Pack/dp/B002AQIAUU/
Canned tart cherries: https://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Fruit-Products-Pitted-Cherries/dp/B008L8JWFW/
Cornstarch: https://www.amazon.com/Argo-Corn-Starch-
Lemon juice: https://www.amazon.com/ReaLemon-100-Lemon-Juice-32/dp/B0005ZXYBQ/
Almond extract: https://www.amazon.com/McCormick-Pure-Almond-Extract/dp/B001PQREOI/
Heavy whipping cream: https://www.amazon.com/Horizon-Organic-Heavy-Whipping-Cream/dp/B07DJ2JLQJ/
Powdered sugar: https://www.amazon.com/Domino-Pure-Cane-Confectioners-Powdered/dp/B000E7ZA68/
Fresh cherries: https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Sweet-Cherries-2lb/dp/B01L2QWXE0/
Chocolate shavings: https://www.amazon.com/Ghirardelli-Chocolate-Cocoa-Shavings-10oz/dp/B005LR4JPG/
Enjoy this delicious Black Forest Cake with family and friends, and remember to indulge in moderation!