Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert

Crafting a delectable black forest cherry cake brings pure magic to your dessert table.

German bakers perfected this iconic treat generations ago in the southwestern region.

Sweet chocolate layers intertwine with luscious cherries and billowy whipped cream.

Kirsch, a traditional cherry brandy, adds sophisticated depth to each decadent bite.

Authentic recipes demand precision and passion for creating something truly memorable.

Delightful textures and rich flavors combine in a spectacular dessert that promises to impress.

Ideal Pairings to Enjoy with Black Forest Cherry Cake

• Pair Dark Cherry Wine: Select a rich, full-bodied German Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) from the Black Forest region to complement the cake's deep chocolate and cherry flavors.
• Enhance Sweet Kirsch Moment: Serve a small shot of traditional cherry brandy (Kirsch) alongside the cake to intensify the authentic Black Forest dessert experience and cleanse the palate.
• Create Coffee Harmony: Brew a strong, dark roast espresso or German-style filter coffee to balance the cake's sweetness and highlight its rich chocolate undertones.
• Elevate Whipped Cream Companion: Prepare a freshly whipped cream with a subtle hint of vanilla and a splash of Kirsch to mirror the cake's traditional German preparation and add luxurious texture.

How to Preserve Black Forest Cherry Cake Freshness

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place plastic wrap directly on cut surfaces to prevent drying out. Keep away from strong-smelling foods.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Store up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore moisture and softness.

Common Queries About Black Forest Cherry Cake

• Why is buttermilk important in this Black Forest Cherry Cake?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist cake texture by breaking down gluten and adding subtle tanginess, which enhances the rich chocolate flavor.

• Can I substitute vegetable oil with another type of oil?

Yes, you can use canola or sunflower oil as they have neutral flavors and similar fat content that won’t alter the cake’s texture.

• What does boiling water do when added to the chocolate cake batter?

Boiling water helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a smoother, more liquid batter that results in a softer cake crumb.

• How do I know if my cake is properly mixed?

Stop mixing when dry ingredients are just incorporated and no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake texture.

Why Black Forest Cherry Cake Is a Classic Favorite

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This Black Forest Cherry Cake brings classic German bakery magic right to your kitchen, delighting everyone with its rich chocolate layers and sweet cherry goodness.
• Master Baking Skills: Perfect for bakers wanting to level up their cake-making techniques, this recipe teaches essential mixing and layering skills while producing a stunning results.
• Quick Crowd-Friendly Treat: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations where you want to impress guests with a gorgeous homemade dessert that looks professionally crafted.
• Customize With Ease: Flexible recipe allows creative variations like adjusting cherry intensity, chocolate richness, or adding personal decorative touches to match your taste preferences.

Essential Components of Black Forest Cherry Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure to the cake's delicate texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep dark color to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a soft cake texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.

• Buttermilk: Contributes tanginess and helps create a tender, moist cake.
• Boiling Water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder and creates a smooth, silky batter.

Foolproof Method for Baking Black Forest Cherry Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Warm up the oven to 350F. Coat two round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Add buttermilk in between mixing stages. Stir gently until just combined.

Step 5: Create Smooth Consistency

Pour boiling water into the batter and mix until the texture becomes uniform. Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans.

Step 6: Bake Cake Layers

Place pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cake Layers

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before decorating.

Expert Guidance for Perfect Black Forest Cherry Cake

• Boost Cake Moisture: Add boiling water to the batter to create an incredibly soft, tender chocolate cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Prevent Dry Layers: Cool cakes completely before frosting to lock in moisture and ensure smooth, even cake layers that don't crumble.
• Cherry Liqueur Enhancement: Soak cake layers with kirsch (cherry brandy) for an authentic Black Forest flavor and extra moisture boost.
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more uniform cake batter.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle near the cake's center to accurately test for complete baking without creating large holes.

Delicious Twists on Black Forest Cherry Cake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same rich chocolate flavor while making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Black Forest Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Black Forest Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and choose fresh cherries with reduced sugar content to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly dessert.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Cherry Cake: Swap buttermilk with coconut milk, use dairy-free whipped cream alternative for frosting, maintaining the classic cake's rich chocolate and cherry essence.

Black Forest Cherry Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Black Forest Cherry Cake brings German chocolate magic to dessert lovers with rich layers of cocoa sponge, luscious cherries, and whipped cream. Chocolate and kirsch mingle in this classic indulgence that promises pure culinary bliss for you.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 2/3 cups (400 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk

Liquid:

• 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and dusting with flour.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. Whisk sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, and gently mix until just combined.
5. Pour boiling water into the batter and stir until achieving a uniform, silky consistency.
6. Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
8. Allow cakes to rest in the pans for 10 minutes to stabilize.
9. Transfer cakes to a wire rack and let them cool completely before further preparation.

Notes

• Achieve ultra-moist cake by ensuring you do not overmix the batter, which can create a tough texture and reduce the cake’s tenderness.
• Balance the intense chocolate flavor by using high-quality cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed for deeper, richer taste profile.
• Enhance kirsch (cherry brandy) soaking liquid by warming it slightly before brushing on cake layers to help better absorption and intensify cherry flavor.
• Consider gluten-free adaptation by substituting regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg