How to Prepare a Classic Black Forest Cake

The classic Black Forest Cake, known in Germany as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, combines rich chocolate cake, cherries, whipped cream, and a hint of cherry brandy (Kirschwasser) in a luxurious, delicious dessert. If the idea of making this cake seems daunting, don’t worry. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps that anyone can follow. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!

Ingredients You Will Need:

To assemble this iconic cake, first, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients:

For the Cake:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 cups of sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1.5 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional for enhancing chocolate flavor)
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Filling and Topping:
3 cups of whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cans (each 14.5 oz) of pitted sour cherries, drained with juice reserved
2 tablespoons cherry brandy (Kirschwasser), optional
Chocolate shavings or curls, for decoration
Fresh cherries, for garnish

Preparing the Cake:

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder if using.
Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water, continuing to mix into the batter until smooth.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, cool the cakes for 10 minutes in the pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Preparing the Filling:

Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
Prepare the Cherries: If you’re using cherry brandy, mix it with the drained cherries in a separate bowl. Save some whole cherries for the decoration.

Assembling the Cake:

Slice the Cake Layers: Once cooled, use a long serrated knife to carefully slice each cake horizontally into two layers, resulting in four layers total.
Layer Cake and Filling: Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Using a pastry brush, lightly soak the layer with the reserved cherry juice. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake, then a layer of cherries. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, but reserve enough whipped cream for the outside and top of the cake.
Cover and Decorate: Once all layers are assembled, use the remaining whipped cream to cover the outside of the cake. Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls and the reserved whole cherries.
Chill: Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.

Tips for Success:

If you can’t find cherry brandy or prefer not to use alcohol, the cake will still be delicious without it.
For an extra touch, you can simmer the reserved cherry juice in a small saucepan with a tablespoon of sugar until reduced to a thicker syrup. Use this for soaking the cake layers.
Don’t rush the cooling process for the cake or whipping cream; patience is key!

Conclusion:

Crafting a classic Black Forest Cake at home might seem ambitious, but it’s definitely achievable with a bit of patience and love for baking. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this indulgent dessert is sure to impress. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, the delicious outcome. Happy baking!

How to Prepare a Classic Black Forest Cake