Name: Black Forest Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 can cherry pie filling; Whipped cream; Chocolate shavings

Black Forest Cake

Black Forest Cake is a classic dessert that delights everyone with its rich chocolate layers and sweet cherry topping. This German-origin cake combines the deep, chocolaty flavor of cake with the fruity taste of cherries, all topped off with fluffy whipped cream. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Black Forest Cake at home allows you to share a delicious treat with family and friends. With its combination of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream, it’s sure to impress anyone. Plus, baking this cake from scratch lets you control the ingredients and customize it to your taste.

How to Make Black Forest Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 can cherry pie filling
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
Stir in the boiling water slowly until the batter becomes smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay!
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top, then cover the entire cake with whipped cream, making sure to frost the top and sides generously.
Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings and extra cherry pie filling for a beautiful and delicious finish.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let all the flavors meld together. Enjoy!

How to Serve Black Forest Cake

Serve Black Forest Cake chilled for the best taste. You can slice it into wedges and serve it on plates. It’s also lovely on a cake stand for a more festive look. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.

How to Store Black Forest Cake

Store any leftover Black Forest Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-5 days. If you need to, you can cover the cake with plastic wrap to keep it fresh and moist.

Tips to Make Black Forest Cake

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Don’t skip chilling the cake; it helps the flavors develop and sets the whipped cream.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
Feel free to add more cherry pie filling on top for extra sweetness!

Variation

You can add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for an even richer treat. Another option is to use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling for a fresher taste.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Black Forest Cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble them when you are ready to serve.

Q2: Can I freeze Black Forest Cake?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the cake layers (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well.

Q3: What can I substitute for whipped cream?
A3: You can use cool whip or cream cheese frosting as alternatives.