Best 5 Black Forest Cake I Recipes

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Indulge in the timeless classic, Black Forest Cake, a symphony of flavors that has captivated dessert enthusiasts for generations. This iconic cake, originating from the heart of Germany's Black Forest region, is a multi-layered chocolate sponge cake, each layer generously soaked in Kirschwasser, a traditional cherry liqueur. The layers are then slathered with a luscious whipped cream and cherry filling, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors. As a finishing touch, the cake is adorned with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, and whipped cream, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This article presents two delectable Black Forest Cake recipes, each offering unique variations to cater to diverse preferences. The first recipe stays true to the traditional German roots, while the second recipe adds a modern twist with a rich chocolate ganache. Both recipes provide step-by-step instructions, ensuring that bakers of all skill levels can recreate this classic dessert in their own kitchens.

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



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.

AUTHENTIC BLACK FOREST CAKE (SCHWARZWALD KIRSCH KUCHEN)



Authentic Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwald Kirsch Kuchen) image

This cake isn't meant to be very sweet but is rather a dessert for adults with deep rich flavours and enough alcohol to make your head spin! If you cannot get fresh cherries you can use canned Bing cherries but please do not use cherry pie filling because it will take away from the authentic taste of the cake. If can't find Kirsch do not use another type of alcohol because it will not turn out the same - instead use cherry juice. Because of the high alcohol content only serve this to adults.

Provided by BK GeeGee

Categories     Dessert

Time P3DT20m

Yield 1 cake, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup kirsch
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 cups icing sugar
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup espresso
1 1/2 lbs fresh black cherries
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 cup kirsch
2 tablespoons dry milk
2 tablespoons icing sugar
1/2 cup shaved dark chocolate

Steps:

  • Pit most of the cherries leaving about 10 for decoration on top of the cake. Take the pitted cherries and soak them in a jar of the 1/2 cup Kirsch overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F Line the bottom of three 9 inch round cake pans with parchment.
  • Sift the dry cake ingredients together.
  • Cream the shortening and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
  • Add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk and mix well.
  • Pour evenly into the cake pans. Bake for 20 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean.
  • Cool and remove the cakes. Prick the tops of the cakes with a toothpick and pour the 1/2 cup of Kirsch (that the cherries soaked in) onto the cake.
  • In a bowl beat the butter until light and creamy. Add the icing sugar, salt and espresso and mix well. If the icing is too thick add Kirsch or cherry juice.
  • Cut the cherries into halves.
  • Place the base layer on top of your cake tray, spread 1/2 of the filling over one top, cover with cherries and top with another layer of cake.
  • Spread the second half of the filling over that layer of cake, cover with cherries and top with the third layer of cake. Cover this and let sit in the fridge for a day or two to allow the kirsch to soak into the cake and become moist.
  • The day you're going to serve this cake prepare the icing. Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
  • Gently fold in the dry milk and icing sugar.
  • Add the vanilla and pour in the Kirsch until it's a good consistency.
  • If you like more icing double this recipe. Spread the icing over all of the cake.
  • Place the fresh, intact cherries on top for decoration and cover the top with the chocolate shavings. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1021.4, Fat 54.2, SaturatedFat 28.5, Cholesterol 162.2, Sodium 649.8, Carbohydrate 134.1, Fiber 6.3, Sugar 102.3, Protein 11.1

BLACK FOREST CAKE I BY LINDA GREER



Black Forest Cake I by Linda Greer image

I saw this recipe on allrecipes.com and looked for it here, but I didn't see it. Posting here for safekeeping. (Prep time is an estimate.)

Provided by Sammy Mae

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h5m

Yield 1 cake, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 (20 ounce) cans sour pitted cherries
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch, round, cake pans; cover bottoms with waxed paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour, 2 cups sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and 1 tablespoon vanilla; beat until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pans.
  • Bake for 35 minutes, or until wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool layers in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Loosen edges, and remove to racks to cool completely.
  • Drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup juice. Combine reserved juice, cherries, 1 cup sugar and cornstarch in a 2 quart saucepan. Cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cool before using.
  • Combine whipping cream and confectioner's sugar in a chilled medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form.
  • With long serrated knife, split each cake layer horizontally in half. Tear one split layer into crumbs; set aside. Reserve 1 1/2 cups Frosting for decorating cake; set aside. Gently brush loose crumbs off top and side of each cake layer with pastry brush or hands. To assemble, place one cake layer on cake plate. Spread with 1 cup frosting; top with 3/4 cup cherry topping. Top with second cake layer; repeat layers of frosting and cherry topping. Top with third cake layer. Frost side of cake. Pat reserved crumbs onto frosting on side of cake. Spoon reserved frosting into pastry bag fitted with star decorator tip. Pipe around top and bottom edges of cake. Spoon remaining cherry topping onto top of cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 701.2, Fat 34.1, SaturatedFat 16.2, Cholesterol 130.9, Sodium 328.8, Carbohydrate 97, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 53.6, Protein 7.5

GERMAN BLACK FOREST CAKE



German Black Forest Cake image

As far as I know, this cake recipe can be traced back to my German great-grandma. When I got married, my mother gave me a copy and I hope to someday pass it down to my children. -Stephanie Travis, Fallon, Nevada

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) pitted tart cherries
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons cherry brandy or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
WHIPPED CREAM:
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of two greased 9-in. round baking pans; grease paper., In a large bowl, beat milk, eggs, oil and vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into milk mixture., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely., Meanwhile, for filling, drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup juice. In a small saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch and reserved juice; add cherries. Cook and stir over low heat 10-12 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; stir in brandy. Cool completely., In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until stiff peaks form., Using a long serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Top with 1-1/2 cups whipped cream. Spread 3/4 cup filling to within 1 in. of edge. Repeat twice. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining whipped cream, reserving some to pipe decorations, if desired. Spoon remaining filling onto top of cake. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 659 calories, Fat 34g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 136mg cholesterol, Sodium 329mg sodium, Carbohydrate 84g carbohydrate (59g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality chocolate. This will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the cake. Use a dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor.
  • Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This will help them to cream together smoothly.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
  • Bake the cake in a preheated oven. This will help to ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • If you don't have a pastry bag, you can use a ziploc bag with the corner cut off to pipe the frosting.

Conclusion:

Black Forest cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is a delicious and impressive cake that is sure to please everyone. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make this cake at home. So next time you are looking for a special dessert, give this Black Forest cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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