Black Forest cake is a decadent and delicious dessert that combines chocolate, cherries, whipped cream, and a hint of kirsch (a cherry-flavored liqueur) to create a mouthwatering treat. This classic German cake is beloved worldwide for its rich layers of flavor and its beautiful presentation. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making a perfect Black Forest cake, with detailed explanations and helpful tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully.
Ingredients
Before you start baking, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list:
For the chocolate cake layers:
- 1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the cherry filling:
- 1 can (21 ounces or 600g) cherry pie filling, or homemade cherry filling
- 2 tablespoons kirsch (optional, for a stronger cherry flavor)
- For the whipped cream frosting:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For garnish:
- Fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- Chocolate curls or shavings (optional)
Equipment
You’ll also need some essential baking equipment to make your Black Forest cake:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans, greased and lined with parchment paper at the bottom
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
- Serrated knife (for leveling the cake layers)
- Cooling racks
- Piping bag and star tip (optional, for decorative whipped cream)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until well combined. The batter will be thick.
Add Boiling Water: Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, mixing on low speed until combined. The batter will be very thin, but don’t worry—this is normal.
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to cooling racks to cool completely. Once cool, level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife if they are domed.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the cherry pie filling and kirsch (if using) until well combined.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting
Chill Mixing Bowl and Whipping Cream: Place a mixing bowl and the whisk attachment in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to chill. This will help the whipped cream set up faster.
Whip the Cream: Pour the chilled heavy whipping cream into the chilled mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as the whipped cream will become grainy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Place First Cake Layer: Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand.
Add Cherry Filling: Spread a generous layer of cherry filling over the top of the cake layer, spreading it to the edges but not letting it drip over.
Add Whipped Cream: Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cherry filling, using an offset spatula to create a smooth, even layer.
Place Second Cake Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the whipped cream layer. Press down gently to adhere.
Frost the Cake: Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake to create a crumb coat. This will help seal in any crumbs and make the final layer of frosting smoother. Place the cake in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
Add Final Layer of Frosting: Once the crumb coat is set, spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake, using an offset spatula to create smooth, even layers.
Garnish the Cake: Decorate the top of the cake with fresh cherries and chocolate curls or shavings, if desired.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the whipped cream to set and the flavors to meld together.
Slice and Serve: Slice the cake with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between slices to ensure clean cuts. Serve and enjoy your delicious Black Forest cake!
Tips and Tricks
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help the ingredients mix together more easily and create a smoother batter.
Measuring Flour: When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing the flour into the measuring cup, as this can result in too much flour and a dry cake.
Chilling the Mixing Bowl: Chilling the mixing bowl and whisk attachment before whipping the cream will help the cream set up faster and create a smoother, silkier texture.
Leveling the Cake Layers: Leveling the tops of the cake layers with a serrated knife ensures that your cake will be flat and even when stacked.
Storing the Cake: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Making Black Forest cake may seem like a daunting task, but with our detailed instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a beautiful, delicious cake that will impress your friends and family. The rich chocolate cake layers, sweet cherry filling, and light, fluffy whipped cream frosting come together to create a dessert that is sure to be a hit. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to indulge in a delicious treat, Black Forest cake is the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start baking—your taste buds will thank you!
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