Black Forest Cake Recipe
Black Forest Cake, known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in German, is a luxurious dessert that originated in the Black Forest region of Germany. This opulent cake combines layers of rich chocolate sponge, whipped cream, cherries, and a hint of kirsch (cherry brandy), creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that has captivated dessert lovers worldwide.
The cake’s origins can be traced back to the 1930s, when confectioner Josef Keller is said to have created the first Black Forest Cake at Café Agner in Bad Godesberg, Germany.
Its name comes from the specialty liquor of the Black Forest region, Schwarzwälder Kirsch(wasser), distilled from tart cherries. This liquor gives the cake its distinctive flavor and is an essential ingredient in authentic versions.
Black Forest Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of indulgence and craftsmanship. Each component – from the moist chocolate layers to the light whipped cream and the tangy cherries – plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and unforgettable taste experience.
The striking appearance of the cake, with its contrasting colors of dark chocolate, white cream, and red cherries, makes it as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.
This recipe yields a classic Black Forest Cake that stays true to its German roots while being accessible to home bakers.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a luxurious treat, this Black Forest Cake is sure to impress with its rich flavors and stunning presentation.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 (14 oz/400g) cans pitted sour cherries
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (60ml) kirsch (cherry brandy)
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 4 cups (960ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- 1 cup (175g) dark chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries with stems
How to Make:
Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Stir in hot coffee. The batter will be thin.
Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Cherry Filling:
Drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup of the syrup.
In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in reserved syrup.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils.
Remove from heat and stir in cherries and kirsch. Cool completely.
Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting:
In a large bowl, whip the cream until it begins to thicken.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla, continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cake:
Cut each cake layer horizontally in half, creating four layers.
Place one layer on a serving plate and brush with kirsch.
Spread with a layer of whipped cream and top with a third of the cherry filling.
Repeat with the next two layers.
Place the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
Decorate:
Press chocolate shavings onto the sides of the cake.
Pipe rosettes of whipped cream around the top edge of the cake.
Top each rosette with a fresh cherry.
Sprinkle the center with more chocolate shavings.
Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Chef’s Notes:
Kirsch Substitution: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the kirsch with cherry juice or syrup.
Cherry Selection: While sour cherries are traditional, you can use sweet cherries if preferred. Fresh cherries can be used when in season.
Chocolate Quality: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the shavings to enhance the overall flavor of the cake.
Stabilized Whipped Cream: To ensure your whipped cream holds up, especially in warm weather, consider adding 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in 1 tablespoon of cold water (then microwaved for 5 seconds to liquefy) to your cream before whipping.
Cake Texture: The hot coffee in the cake batter enhances the chocolate flavor and creates a moist texture. You can substitute hot water if you prefer.
Make-Ahead Tips: The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. The cherry filling can also be made ahead and refrigerated.
Serving Suggestion: For the best flavor and texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.
Presentation: For a professional touch, use a cake turntable when frosting and decorating the cake.
Nutritional Value:
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The following nutritional information is for one slice, assuming the cake is cut into 12 slices:
- Calories: 550-600
- Total Fat: 30-35g
- Saturated Fat: 18-20g
- Cholesterol: 90-100mg
- Sodium: 300-350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65-70g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 45-50g
- Protein: 6-7g
Black Forest Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, it does offer some nutritional benefits:
Antioxidants: The dark chocolate and cherries are good sources of antioxidants, which may help protect cells from damage.
Vitamin C: Cherries provide vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Calcium: The dairy components provide calcium, essential for bone health.
Energy: The high carbohydrate content provides quick energy.
Despite these benefits, the cake is high in sugar and saturated fat, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
Conclusion:
Black Forest Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary work of art that combines rich flavors, varied textures, and stunning visual appeal. This classic German cake has stood the test of time, remaining a favorite choice for celebrations and special occasions around the world.
The process of creating a Black Forest Cake is as rewarding as enjoying the final product. From baking the moist chocolate layers to preparing the cherry filling and whipping the cream, each step offers an opportunity to engage with the rich culinary tradition behind this iconic dessert.
The assembly of the cake, with its careful layering and decorative finishing touches, allows for creative expression and a sense of accomplishment.
While Black Forest Cake is undoubtedly an indulgence from a nutritional standpoint, it’s important to remember that food is not just about sustenance—it’s also about pleasure, celebration, and cultural connection.
The joy of sharing this luxurious cake with friends and family, the way it can mark special moments and create lasting memories, has a value that goes beyond mere calories and nutrients.
For those who are mindful of their dietary intake, Black Forest Cake can still be part of a balanced lifestyle when enjoyed in moderation. Its rich flavors mean that even a small slice can be deeply satisfying.
Additionally, the recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary needs, such as using sugar alternatives or gluten-free flour, although these modifications may alter the traditional taste and texture.
In preparing and serving Black Forest Cake, you’re not just creating a dessert—you’re participating in a culinary tradition that spans decades and crosses borders.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at this recipe for the first time, the process of creating this iconic cake is an adventure in itself.
The combination of dark chocolate, fresh cream, tangy cherries, and a hint of kirsch creates a symphony of flavors that continues to enchant dessert lovers generation after generation.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on the delightful journey of creating your own Black Forest Cake.
Whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary, or simply to treat yourself and your loved ones, this cake is sure to bring a touch of German elegance and indulgence to any occasion.
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