Best 4 Best Black Forest Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the timeless classic, the Black Forest Cake, a symphony of flavors that has captivated taste buds for generations. Originating in the heart of Germany's Black Forest region, this iconic dessert combines rich chocolate layers, luscious cherry filling, and a generous dollop of whipped cream, creating an unforgettable taste experience. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey, exploring not just one, but three enticing Black Forest Cake recipes that cater to every baker's skill level and preference. From a traditional version that stays true to its roots to a gluten-free alternative and a no-bake option perfect for summer gatherings, these recipes offer a delightful range of choices. Prepare to immerse yourself in the decadent world of Black Forest Cakes, where chocolate, cherries, and cream harmonize in perfect unison.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BLACK FOREST CAKE



Black Forest Cake image

Some historians trace this famous cherry-chocolate cake (called Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in German) back to the 16th century, but it was most likely named and popularized by German baker Josef Keller in 1915 Germans take their world-famous dessert seriously: The cake was granted protected status by the European Commission in 2013, meaning that for a dessert to be sold as a Black Forest Cake, it must contain Black Forest kirsch, a brandy made from local cherries.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 3h10m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

Unsalted butter, for the pans
1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, plus more for the pans
8 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup almond flour
11/3 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 cups cold heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups cherries in light syrup, such as Morello, drained and chopped, plus 2 tablespoons syrup from one 24-ounce jar)
1 to 2 tablespoons kirsch (cherry brandy; optional)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
Shaved chocolate, for topping

Steps:

  • Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottoms and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans; line the bottoms with parchment paper. Butter the parchment and dust the bottoms and sides of the pans with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess.
  • Put the eggs (in their shells) in a medium bowl and cover with hot tap water; let stand 5 minutes (warming the eggs will help them whip better). Sift the cocoa powder, cake flour and salt into a medium bowl, then whisk in the almond flour; set aside.
  • Remove the eggs from the water and crack into a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar and beat with a mixer on low speed to combine. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until pale, fluffy and thick, about 10 minutes. The mixture should fall off the beaters in a ribbon when lifted.
  • Sprinkle one-third of the flour mixture over the egg mixture and gently fold with a whisk until combined. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture in two batches, adding the vanilla with the final addition. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until the cakes pull away from the sides of the pans and a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Immediately run a small offset spatula around the edges to loosen. Let the cakes cool 5 minutes in the pans, then remove to a rack, parchment-side down, and let cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, make the whipped cream: Whisk the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan (the cornstarch will help stabilize the whipped cream). Slowly add 3/4 cup heavy cream, whisking, until a paste forms. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring, until thick and bubbling, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl, place a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface and refrigerate until completely cooled, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the filling: Bring the cherries, cherry syrup, kirsch and granulated sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the almond extract and transfer to a bowl. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
  • Finish the whipped cream: Beat the remaining 2 1/4 cups cold heavy cream and vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute. With the mixer running, add the cooked cream mixture and beat until stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Drain the cherries and reserve the syrup. Discard the parchment from the cakes. Trim a thin layer off the top of each cake with a long serrated knife. Put one cake cut-side up on a cake stand or serving plate and brush with half of the reserved syrup. Spread about 1 cup whipped cream over the top in a thin layer, then top with all but 1/4 cup cherries. Spread 1 cup whipped cream over the cherries in a thin layer. Top with the remaining cake and brush with the remaining syrup. Spread 1 1/2 cups whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake in a thin layer (some crumbs are OK). Refrigerate 30 minutes.
  • Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Sprinkle the shaved chocolate around the top of the cake and press into the sides; top with the reserved cherries. Refrigerate overnight; the cake will soak up the syrup.

BLACK FOREST CAKE RECIPE



Black Forest Cake Recipe image

Provided by Shiran

Time 2h5m

Number Of Ingredients 18

1¾ cups (250 g/8.8 oz.) all-purpose flour, sifted
⅔ cup (65 g/2.3 oz.) natural unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (400 g/14 oz.) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup (120 ml) neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
1 cup (240 ml) hot water
1 cup drained, canned cherries
¼ cup Kirsch, or another cherry liqueur
cherry juice from canned cherries (drain cherries and reserve the juice)
3 cups heavy cream, cold
½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
200 g/7 oz. chocolate shavings
Fresh whole cherries

Steps:

  • To make the chocolate cake: Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Generously butter two 8-inch cake pans that are at least 2-inches high, and dust with cocoa powder, tapping the ramekins slightly to remove any excess.
  • In a large bowl, place flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mix until combined. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, oil, vanilla, buttermilk, and water (pour the water slowly so it won't cook the eggs). Whisk until smooth. Add egg mixture into flour mixture and mix until smooth. Don't overbeat - batter will be lumpy at first, but mix gently and eventually stir with a whisk just until smooth. The batter will be thin and liquid. That's ok.
  • Scrape batter into prepared pans. Bake cakes for 30-35 minutes (depending on your oven - this might take longer), or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before unmolding, then let cakes cool completely on a wire rack. I recommend wrapping the cakes in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze them for several hours before cutting them. Cut each cake layer in half horizontally.
  • To make the syrup: place drained cherries in a medium bowl, and add to the bowl ¼ cup Kirsch and ½ cup cherry juice from can. Leave to soak at room temperature for 30 minutes or more, then drain cherries in a sieve over a bowl, keeping both the cherries and syrup. Add more cherry juice to the syrup to get 3/4 cup syrup (you won't need the rest of the juice, discard it or save for another use). This will be the soaking syrup for the cake layers.
  • To make the whipped cream: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Read more about making perfect whipped cream here.
  • Assembly: Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate and brush with 1/3 of the cherry syrup. Cover top with a thick layer of whipped cream frosting (about 1 cup) and top with 1/3 of the cherries. Repeat twice more with remaining layers and top with the last cake layer (there's no need to soak the top layer with syrup). Frost the top and sides of the cake with whipped cream. If you want, reserve some of the whipped cream, about 1½ cups, for decorating the top. Use a pastry bag with a large flower tip, and pipe rounds around the top. Top with whole cherries. Cover the sides and top with chocolate shavings, if desired. Store cake in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.

JENNY'S BLACK FOREST CAKE



Jenny's Black Forest Cake image

This recipe is from a friend of my mother's. She used it for catering and has won the hearts of most who've tasted it. I've had to share this recipe with everyone who's been to one of my parties. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

Provided by REB_99

Categories     Desserts     Specialty Dessert Recipes     Liqueur Dessert Recipes     Kirschwasser

Time 1h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup milk
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup strong brewed coffee, cold
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
½ cup cherry liqueur

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8 inch cake pans. Make sour milk by combining milk and vinegar. Set aside.
  • Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, coffee and vanilla. Stir in the sour milk. Gradually beat in the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
  • Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow cake layers to cool completely before filling.
  • To make the cherry filling: Combine the cherry pie filling and cherry liquor. Refrigerate cherry mixture until chilled, then fill cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 477 calories, Carbohydrate 78.2 g, Cholesterol 39.2 mg, Fat 13.5 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 5.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 441.1 mg, Sugar 41.4 g

BLACK FOREST CAKE



Black Forest Cake image

Black forest cake, which originated in the Black Forest region of Germany, is typically made with a light chocolate sponge cake, soaked with cherry syrup and cherry brandy (Kirsch), then layered with whipped cream and cherries. This version swaps the chocolate sponge for a denser, fudgier chocolate cake to delicious effect. But slicing a rich chocolate cake into four thin layers can be a bit tricky. To make the job a little easier, cool them completely before slicing. The cherry jam and syrup can be made in advance.

Provided by Samantha Seneviratne

Categories     cakes, dessert

Time 2h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 cup/240 milliliters vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the pans
1 1/2 cups/140 grams Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups/360 milliliters boiling water
1 cup/240 milliliters buttermilk
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups/330 grams packed dark brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups/385 grams all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
4 cups (about 20 ounces/600 grams) fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries, pitted
1/2 cup/100 grams granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 to 2 tablespoons Kirsch
1/3 cup/40 grams confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 cups/960 milliliters heavy cream
6 ounces/170 grams bittersweet chocolate, shaved into curls
8 fresh or frozen whole dark sweet cherries, pitted

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with oil and line the bottom of each with parchment paper.
  • To prepare the cake, in a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and boiling water until smooth. Add the buttermilk and 1 cup vegetable oil, and whisk to combine. Add the eggs, brown sugar and vanilla extract, then whisk to combine.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, then whisk to combine. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer the cakes to a rack to cool for about 20 minutes, then flip the cakes out onto the rack and let them cool completely. Flip the cakes again, so the domed portion is on top, and trim a bit of the dome off each cake to flatten the top. Carefully cut each layer in half horizontally, creating four layers.
  • While the cake cools, prepare the cherry jam: In a small saucepan, combine the cherries and sugar over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking the cherries down with a wooden spoon or potato masher, until the fruit has released its juice, about 6 minutes.
  • Pass the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving the syrup in a medium bowl and setting aside the cooked cherries. Measure out 1/2 cup/120 milliliters of the syrup. (If you have more, store the rest in the refrigerator for another use). Transfer 1 tablespoon syrup from the 1/2 cup to small bowl, then stir the Kirsch into remaining syrup; set aside to cool completely.
  • Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to the reserved 1 tablespoon cherry syrup in the small bowl; whisk to combine. Transfer it to the saucepan, add the cooked cherries and cook over medium, stirring, until the mixture has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool completely. (You should have about 1 1/4 cups/300 milliliters jam.)
  • Prepare the whipped cream: In a small saucepan, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, cornstarch and 1 cup heavy cream. Bring that mixture to a low boil over medium heat and cook, stirring, until thickened to the consistency of thin pudding, reducing heat as necessary to avoid scorching, about 2 minutes. Transfer cream mixture to a large bowl to cool completely.
  • Assemble the cake: Whisk the cream mixture to loosen it, then add the remaining 3 cups heavy cream. Using an electric mixer on medium, beat the mixture until you have medium-stiff peaks, about 2 minutes. Set one cake layer on a serving plate, cut-side up. Brush it with some of the cherry-Kirsch syrup, spread about 1 cup whipped cream over the top, then 1/3 of the cherry jam. Swirl the jam and the cream together a bit to spread it out evenly. Repeat this process two more times and top it with the last cake layer, cut-side down. Then cover the entire cake with a thin layer of whipped cream. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • To finish, frost the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Prepare the chocolate curls: Warm the chocolate bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, then use a vegetable peeler to create curled chocolate shavings. Press the chocolate shavings onto the sides of the cake and over a 1-inch of the border on top. Top with the 8 cherries. Store leftovers, well wrapped, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. A good semisweet or bittersweet chocolate will work well.
  • Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help the ingredients mix together more easily and create a smooth batter.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
  • Bake the cake in a springform pan for easy removal.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help the frosting set properly.
  • For a classic Black Forest Cake, use a whipped cream frosting and top with fresh cherries.

Conclusion:

Black Forest Cake is a delicious and elegant dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor, fluffy whipped cream frosting, and fresh cherries, it's sure to be a hit with everyone. If you're looking for a special dessert to make, this Black Forest Cake is the perfect choice.

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