How to Bake Traditional German Black Forest Cake
If you’ve ever wanted to make a delicious dessert with a mix of chocolate, cherries, and cream, the Black Forest Cake is perfect for you! This classic German dessert, known as a Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in Germany, is famous for its rich flavors and beautiful layers. While it looks fancy, making this cake at home is easier than you think. Follow this simplified guide, and you’ll be baking your very own Black Forest Cake in no time.
What Is the Black Forest Cake?
The Black Forest Cake is a layered chocolate sponge cake filled with whipped cream and cherries. It’s traditionally flavored with kirschwasser, a cherry brandy, which gives the cake its authentic German touch. The cake is finished with more whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries on top.
Now, let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bake your Black Forest Cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream Filling:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream (cold)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups (500g) pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons kirschwasser (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water (for thickening)
For Decoration:
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Extra cherries for topping
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Cake
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Sponge Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23cm) round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined. Don’t overmix!
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before removing them from the pans.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
- In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and kirschwasser (optional). Heat over medium heat until the cherries release juice and soften.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the cherry sauce. Once it becomes glossy and thick, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream
- In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream will turn grainy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Level the tops of the cooled sponge cakes with a knife if needed.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Brush lightly with kirschwasser if you’re using it.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream evenly over the cake.
- Spoon the cherry filling onto the whipped cream, spreading it gently.
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process: brush with kirschwasser, spread whipped cream, and add cherries.
- Cover the entire cake with whipped cream, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Step 5: Decorate the Cake
- Use a vegetable peeler to scrape the surface of a block of dark chocolate and create chocolate shavings. Sprinkle these over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate the top with whole cherries for a finishing touch.
Additional Tips for Success
- Cooling Time: Make sure your cake layers are completely cool before assembling. Warm cake can melt the whipped cream.
- Kirschwasser Substitute: If you don’t want to use alcohol, you can replace it with cherry juice or simply omit it.
- Time-Saving Option: You can use canned cherry pie filling instead of making your own cherry sauce.
Serving the Cake
The Black Forest Cake is best served chilled. Once assembled, place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing. This allows all the flavors to blend together, creating a perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and richness.
Cut into generous slices, and enjoy your homemade masterpiece alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Conclusion
The Black Forest Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. While its origin lies in Germany’s Black Forest region, this cake has become loved worldwide for its unique combination of chocolate, cherries, and cream.
By following this simple recipe, you can bring a piece of German culinary tradition to your home. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake this elegant cake for your family and friends. You’ll be amazed at how delicious it turns out!
Happy baking!
