Description
This classic Black Forest Cake recipe features moist chocolate cake layers soaked in a Kirschwasser syrup, layered with sweet cherries and fluffy whipped cream frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup Kirschwasser (cherry brandy)
- 4 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups sweet cherries, pitted and sliced in half
- ½ cup chocolate shavings
- 12 whole sweet cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper circles and spray with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, instant espresso powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and boiling water together until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Divide the batter among the three cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about one hour.
- Prepare the syrup by combining the water and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then boil for one minute. Remove from heat and whisk in the Kirschwasser. Allow to cool.
- In a chilled bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Whip until soft peaks form, then add vanilla and whip until stiff peaks develop.
- Run a knife around the edges of each cake pan to loosen the cakes. Invert the first cake layer onto a serving platter. Trim the domed top for an even surface. Soak the layer with the Kirschwasser syrup.
- Spread about 1 cup of whipped cream over the soaked cake layer. Top with half of the cherries.
- Place the second cake layer on top, brush with syrup, spread another cup of whipped cream, and sprinkle remaining cherries.
- Add the final cake layer, brush with syrup, and spread remaining whipped cream. Smooth out the sides and pipe decorative rosettes on top. Garnish with chocolate shavings and whole cherries.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Black Forest Cake, Chocolate Cake, Cherry Dessert