Black Forest Cake Recipe – Classic German Chocolate Cherry

Black Forest Cake Recipe – Black Forest cake, known in Germany as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is one of the world’s most beloved chocolate cakes. With its heavenly combination of rich chocolate sponge, whipped cream, cherries, and a hint of cherry liqueur, this dessert is a timeless favorite for celebrations, birthdays, weddings, and festive gatherings. The signature layers of fluffy chocolate cake drenched in cherry syrup, paired with light, airy cream and juicy cherries, create a flavor harmony that is indulgent yet surprisingly delicate.

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Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: German / European

• Course: Dessert / Cake

• Prep Time: 35 minutes

• Active Time: 25 minutes

• Resting & Cooling Time: 45 minutes

• Baking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

• Servings: 10–12 slices

• Calories: ~410 calories per slice

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup hot water or hot coffee

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cherry Filling

• 2 cups cherries (fresh or canned)

• ½ cup cherry syrup or juice (from canned cherries)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons Kirsch (optional, for authentic flavor)

For the Whipped Cream Frosting

• 3 cups heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Decoration

• Chocolate shavings or curls

• Whole cherries for topping

Equipment Needed

• Two or three 8-inch round cake pans

• Electric mixer

• Mixing bowls

• Saucepan

• Cooling rack

• Offset spatula

• Serrated cake knife

• Piping bag (optional)

• Grater or peeler for chocolate curls

• Parchment paper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease the cake pans with oil or butter.

• Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Add eggs, vegetable oil, and buttermilk.

3. Mix on medium speed until smooth.

4. Add vanilla extract.

5. Slowly pour in hot water or hot coffee while mixing on low speed.

6. The batter will be thin—this creates a moist cake.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

• Divide the batter into cake pans.

• Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool in pans for 10 minutes.

• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a saucepan, add cherries, sugar, and cherry juice.

2. Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry.

3. Add slurry to cherries and cook over medium heat.

4. Stir until mixture thickens (about 3–5 minutes).

5. Remove from heat and cool completely.

6. Add Kirsch if using.

Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream

1. Chill mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes.

2. Add heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

3. Beat on high until stiff peaks form.

4. Do not overmix to avoid grainy cream.

Tips for the Best Black Forest Cake

• Use hot coffee instead of hot water for a richer chocolate flavor.

• Do not skip moistening the cake layers—this ensures perfect texture.

• If using canned cherries, choose dark sweet cherries for fuller flavor.

• Whipped cream must be cold to whip properly.

• For a more authentic German cake, always add a splash of Kirsch.

Conclusion

Black Forest cake is more than just a dessert—it is a blend of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and velvety cream that creates a luxurious and memorable experience. Each slice offers a perfect harmony of textures: soft chocolate sponge, juicy cherries, and smooth whipped cream. With its iconic look and irresistible flavor, this cake is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or any special moment worthy of celebration. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a beautiful bakery-quality masterpiece right at home.