Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that impresses both in taste and appearance, the Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake is the answer. This delightful cake combines rich chocolate and luscious cherries, all topped with creamy whipped cream. It’s the perfect treat for special occasions, celebrations, or just when you want to indulge yourself.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. It allows you to enjoy the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries in every bite. Plus, the cake is visually stunning, making it great for parties and gatherings. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake will surely wow your family and friends.
How to Make Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cherry filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
- Additional cherries for decoration
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for dusting
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling.
In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of pitted cherries and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices, about 5 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together. Add this mixture to the cherries and stir until thickened. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake.
Once the chocolate cake has cooled, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread half of the cherry filling on top, and then add whipped cream. Place the second layer on top and repeat with the remaining cherry filling and whipped cream. Decorate the top with additional cherries and dust with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
How to Serve Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake
Serve the Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake chilled. Cut into slices and place each slice on a dessert plate. You can add extra whipped cream or a few whole cherries on the side for an added touch.
How to Store Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake
To store the cake, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Be gentle when mixing the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients to keep the cake light and airy.
- If using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw and drain excess juice to prevent a soggy cake.
Variations
You can switch out cherries for other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor. Additionally, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache for an extra rich experience.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the cherry filling and whipped cream on the day you plan to serve it.
Q: Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought whipped cream can save you time if you’re in a hurry.
Q: Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking.
Enjoy baking and sharing this Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake with your loved ones!
Print
Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and visually stunning cake featuring rich chocolate and luscious cherries, topped with creamy whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cherry filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
- Additional cherries for decoration
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk the eggs and 3/4 cup granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of pitted cherries and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Add this mixture to the cherries and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form.
- Slice the cooled chocolate cake in half horizontally to create two layers. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread half of the cherry filling on top, and add whipped cream. Place the second layer on top and repeat with the remaining cherry filling and whipped cream.
- Decorate the top with additional cherries and dust with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
- Serve chilled, cut into slices, and enjoy!
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, dessert, cherries, whipped cream, celebration, elegant cake