Simple Black Forest Cake

The Simple Black Forest Cake is a delightful dessert that brings joy and celebration to any occasion. With its rich chocolate layers, creamy whipped topping, and sweet cherry sauce, this cake is a classic treat that everyone loves. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want something sweet, this cake is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making a Simple Black Forest Cake at home is not only satisfying, but it also allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking. You can use gluten-free flour, choose your preferred sweeteners, and even make it dairy-free. This recipe is straightforward and requires no special baking skills, making it accessible for everyone. Plus, the combination of chocolate and cherries makes it a delicious option that will impress your guests.

How to Make Simple Black Forest Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose or gluten-free flour
2 cups coconut sugar or granulated sugar
2/3 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup almond milk (or other milk)
1 cup brewed coffee/espresso
1/2 cup oil of choice
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups whipped cream (or dairy-free whipped topping)
Homemade cherry sauce
Dark chocolate shavings/curls

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8” or 9” round cake pans and line them with parchment paper for easy release.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Stir in the almond milk, brewed coffee, oil, and vanilla. Mix until the batter is smooth, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
Once the cakes are cooled, place one cake layer onto a serving plate. Top with a generous amount of cherry sauce and about 1 to 1.5 cups of whipped cream. Repeat with the second layer, then top with more cherry sauce and whipped cream.
Garnish the cake with fresh cherries and dark chocolate shavings or curls.
Keep the cake refrigerated until serving. Slice and enjoy this delicious Black Forest treat!

How to Serve Simple Black Forest Cake

To serve your Simple Black Forest Cake, slice it into even portions using a sharp knife. You can serve it as is, or add a drizzle of cherry sauce and a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra flavor. This cake pairs well with coffee or tea, making it a great addition to your dessert table.

How to Store Simple Black Forest Cake

If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure to keep it covered to preserve its freshness. If you plan to keep it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips to Make Simple Black Forest Cake

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps the batter mix well.
Do not overmix the batter; mix until just combined.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness according to your taste by adding less sugar.

Variation

You can try adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for extra texture. You can also switch up the flavors by using different fruit sauces, such as raspberry or blueberry.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a day or two before assembling.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free whipped topping and non-dairy milk to make this cake completely vegan.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, almond flour, or any flour you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the moisture as needed.