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Black Forest Cherry Cake

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A rich and indulgent German dessert featuring layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries, traditionally finished with chocolate shavings and a cherry garnish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
  4. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk and coffee until batter is smooth.
  5. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks.
  6. Drain cherries, reserving juice. Mix 1/2 cup juice with kirsch.
  7. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  8. Slice each cake layer horizontally to create four layers.
  9. Place one layer on a serving plate, brush with cherry-kirsch syrup, spread whipped cream, and top with cherries.
  10. Repeat layering with remaining cake, cream, and cherries. Reserve some whipped cream for decorating.
  11. Frost cake with remaining whipped cream, garnish with chocolate shavings and maraschino cherries.
  12. Chill cake for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit kirsch and use extra cherry juice.
  • Cake can be baked a day ahead for easier assembly.
  • Ensure cream is well-chilled before whipping.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Forest Cake, German dessert, chocolate cherry cake, Black Forest gateau, whipped cream cake

Find it online: https://zesticook.com/black-forest-cherry-cake/