Name: Black Forest Cherry Cake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: PT-488162H30M12S
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 jar (24 oz) morello cherries, drained (reserve juice); 1/4 cup kirsch (cherry brandy); Chocolate shavings for garnish; Maraschino cherries for garnish

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Short Description

Black Forest Cherry Cake, also known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is a traditional German dessert made with layers of moist chocolate sponge cake, sweet-tart cherries, whipped cream, and a hint of cherry brandy. Finished with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries, it is an elegant and indulgent cake perfect for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a true celebration of flavors and textures. The light, airy sponge is balanced by the juiciness of cherries and the richness of whipped cream. A touch of kirsch (or cherry juice for an alcohol-free version) enhances the flavor, while the chocolate shavings add a beautiful finishing touch. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or festive gatherings, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Eggs
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Butter (melted) or neutral oil
Sour cherries (jarred, frozen, or fresh when in season)
Cherry juice or kirsch (cherry brandy)
Cornstarch (to thicken the cherry filling)
Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Dark chocolate (for shavings or curls)
Fresh cherries (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven and prepare cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.
Whip eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, then gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and melted butter.
Bake the chocolate sponge layers until set, then cool completely.
Prepare the cherry filling by simmering cherries with sugar and cornstarch until slightly thickened. Add kirsch or cherry juice, then allow to cool.
Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. For more stability, fold in a little mascarpone if desired.
Assemble the cake: place one sponge layer on a serving plate, brush with cherry syrup, spread with cherry filling, and top with whipped cream. Repeat with remaining layers.
Cover the cake with whipped cream, press chocolate shavings onto the sides, and decorate with piped cream swirls and whole cherries on top.
Chill for several hours before serving to allow flavors to develop.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 slices
Preparation time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Baking time: 25–35 minutes
Chilling time: At least 4 hours, preferably overnight

Variations

Alcohol-free version: Use cherry juice instead of kirsch.
Quick version: Use a chocolate cake mix and canned cherry pie filling for faster preparation.
Rustic style: Skip elaborate decorations and simply frost with whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate.
Stabilized cream: Add mascarpone or cream cheese for longer-lasting whipped cream.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for 2–3 days.
Sponge layers can be baked and frozen in advance for up to 2 months.
The fully assembled cake is best consumed fresh and should not be frozen, as whipped cream does not freeze well.

FAQs

What is the origin of Black Forest Cherry Cake?

It originated in Germany and is named after the Black Forest region, where kirschwasser (cherry brandy) is produced.

Can I make this cake without alcohol?

Yes, simply replace kirsch with cherry juice or syrup.

What type of cherries should I use?

Sour cherries (such as Morello) are traditionally used because their tartness balances the sweetness of the cream and cake.

How do I make the sponge cake light and fluffy?

The key is to whip the eggs and sugar until pale and voluminous before gently folding in the dry ingredients.

Can I use canned cherry pie filling?

Yes, it is a convenient substitute, though the flavor may be sweeter than traditional sour cherry filling.

Why do I need to chill the cake before serving?

Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and helps the whipped cream set, making slicing easier.

How can I prevent whipped cream from collapsing?

Use cold equipment and cream, and consider stabilizing with mascarpone or gelatin.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the cake the day before and refrigerate it overnight.

What kind of chocolate works best for decoration?

Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content works well for shavings or curls.

Is this cake difficult to make?

It requires several steps but is manageable with preparation. Breaking it into parts (baking sponge ahead, preparing filling, then assembling) makes it easier.

Conclusion

Black Forest Cherry Cake is a timeless dessert that beautifully combines chocolate, cherries, and cream. While it takes some preparation, the result is a show-stopping cake that delivers elegance and flavor in every slice. Whether you make it the traditional way with kirsch or a simplified version with cherry juice, this cake is perfect for marking any special occasion.