Black Forest Cake – A Chocolate & Cherry Delight!

Black Forest Cake is a classic German dessert that layers rich chocolate sponge with sweet cherries, fluffy whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Moist, decadent, and fruity, it’s a beautiful cake for birthdays, holidays, or any chocolate lover’s celebration.

---

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups canned or jarred sour cherries (drained, juice reserved)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the jar) or water
• 1 tbsp kirsch (optional, cherry liqueur)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Whole cherries (fresh or maraschino)

---

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cakes

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, hot water, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in cherry juice and cook over medium heat until thickened.
2. Add drained cherries and kirsch if using. Let cool.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

1. In a cold mixing bowl, beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Slice each cake in half horizontally for 4 layers.
2. Place one layer on a cake plate. Spread whipped cream, then cherry filling. Repeat with remaining layers.
3. Frost the top and sides with whipped cream.
4. Decorate with chocolate shavings and whole cherries.

---

Chill & Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.

---

This Black Forest Cake is a stunning combination of chocolate and cherry, delivering a balance of rich, creamy, and tangy in every slice.