The Ultimate Black Forest Cherry Cake Recipe For Sweet Moments

Crafting a decadent black forest cherry cake brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s kitchen.

Sweet layers of chocolate sponge mingle with luscious whipped cream and ripe cherries.

Rich cocoa creates a deep, velvety backdrop for this classic German treat.

Kirsch liqueur adds a subtle, sophisticated twist that makes each slice memorable.

Carefully selected ingredients elevate this traditional dessert into something extraordinary.

Whipped cream peaks and chocolate shavings create a visual masterpiece that promises indulgence.

Flavorful Variations for Black Forest Cherry Cake

• Gluten-Free Black Forest Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and swap vegetable oil with coconut oil.
• Low-Sugar Black Forest Delight: Use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and replace some sugar with unsweetened applesauce to reduce overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Cherry Cake: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk, and choose dairy-free whipped cream alternative for frosting.

Pairing Ideas to Complement Black Forest Cherry Cake

• Pair Dark Cherry Kirsch: Complement the cake's rich chocolate and cherry flavors with a traditional German kirsch (cherry brandy), which enhances the Black Forest cake's authentic taste profile.
• Serve Whipped Cream Espresso: Balance the cake's sweetness with a strong, bold espresso shot, cutting through the richness while providing a delightful contrast in temperature and intensity.
• Match Chocolate Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, whose deep chocolate and berry notes harmonize beautifully with the cake's decadent chocolate and cherry elements.
• Highlight Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the cake, creating a classic cold-warm dessert combination that softens the cake's dense texture and provides a refreshing counterpoint.

How to Store Black Forest Cherry Cake for Freshness

• Store cake covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place wax paper between cake layers to prevent sticking and preserve frosting texture.
• Wrap entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Defrost individual slices at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices for 10-15 seconds in microwave. For frozen slices, let thaw completely before gently warming to maintain cake's moisture and prevent drying out.

Black Forest Cherry Cake FAQs Uncovered

• What makes Black Forest Cherry Cake a German classic?

This cake originates from the Black Forest region in Germany and traditionally combines rich chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries, representing the area’s famous chocolate and cherry production.

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to prevent excess moisture in the cake.

• How do I prevent my cake layers from being dry?

The secret is adding boiling water to the batter, which helps create a moist, tender chocolate cake with a soft crumb. Also, be careful not to overbake the cake layers.

• Is it necessary to use kirsch (cherry liqueur) in this cake?

While traditional recipes include kirsch for authentic flavor, you can omit it or substitute with cherry juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

Dive Into Decadence with Luxurious Black Forest Cherry Cake

• Craft a Decadent Dessert: Create a show-stopping cake that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery, impressing family and friends with your baking skills.
• Master Complex Techniques Simply: Learn sophisticated cake-making methods without feeling overwhelmed, breaking down intricate steps into manageable parts that even novice bakers can conquer.
• Versatile Celebration Centerpiece: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings, this Black Forest Cherry Cake transforms any event into a memorable celebration.
• Indulge in Rich Chocolate Bliss: Experience a perfect balance of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and luxurious flavors that melt in your mouth, offering a truly gourmet dessert experience.

Ingredients for Luxurious Black Forest Cherry Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that add depth and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Provide binding and richness to the cake's texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor and helps create a soft crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
• Boiling Water: Helps create a smooth, thin batter and intensifies the chocolate flavor.

• Vegetable Oil Spray or Butter, Flour: Prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and ensures easy removal.

Step-by-Step Black Forest Cherry Cake Mastery

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Lovingly coat two 9-inch round cake pans with a light layer of grease and a dusting of flour to ensure a smooth cake release.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Rich cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• A pinch of salt

Step 3: Craft Wet Ingredient Mixture

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Fresh eggs
• Vegetable oil

Beat these ingredients until they become a smooth, velvety mixture.

Step 4: Enhance Wet Ingredients

Pour in buttermilk and vanilla extract, stirring gently to create a silky, harmonious blend.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Magical Liquid

Introduce boiling water to the batter, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thin.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Prepare

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before moving to the next stage of cake creation.

Expert Tips for Luxurious Black Forest Cherry Cake

• Perfectly Moisten Cake Layers: Brush each chocolate cake layer with kirsch or cherry syrup for enhanced flavor and softness before assembling.
• Control Cake Height: Ensure even cake layers by using a cake leveler or long serrated knife to trim tops for a professional, symmetrical appearance.
• Stabilize Whipped Cream: Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar and a teaspoon of cornstarch while whipping cream to prevent deflation and maintain structure during decoration.
• Prevent Cherry Sinking: Lightly coat fresh or canned cherries in flour before adding to cake batter to help them distribute evenly and prevent sinking to the bottom.
• Choose Quality Chocolate: Select high-quality dark cocoa powder and dark chocolate for the most intense, rich chocolate flavor in your Black Forest cake.

Luxurious Black Forest Cherry Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Black forest cherry cake whisks classic German chocolate magic into a delightful dessert experience. Layers of rich chocolate, luscious cherries, and silky whipped cream create an irresistible symphony of flavors you’ll savor with each heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup (60 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by thoroughly coating with grease and flour.
2. Combine cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing vessel, whisking until uniformly blended.
3. Create a creamy mixture by vigorously beating granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until thoroughly integrated.
4. Incorporate buttermilk and vanilla extract into the sugary mixture, stirring until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently stirring until just incorporated without overmixing.
6. Pour boiling water into the batter, stirring carefully to create a smooth, liquefied texture.
7. Distribute the thin batter equally between prepared cake pans, ensuring even coverage.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
9. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Enhance moisture by adding a splash of cherry liqueur to the cake batter for an authentic Black Forest flavor profile.
• Ensure even baking by rotating cake pans halfway through cooking time to prevent uneven browning or potential hot spots in the oven.
• Create a lighter version by substituting whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour, which adds nutritional value without compromising texture.
• Simplify preparation by using a kitchen scale to measure ingredients precisely, guaranteeing consistent results every time you bake this decadent dessert.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg