Black Forest Cake

Black Forest Cake

This Black Forest Cake balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.

Black Forest Cake captures the essence of desserts|cakes while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Black Forest Cake becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.

INGREDIENTS

For the Chocolate Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Filling and Topping:
1 cup cherry pie filling or fresh pitted cherries, chopped
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup shaved or grated chocolate (for garnish)
Fresh cherries (for garnish)

PREPARATION STEPS

Prepare Chocolate Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Make Whipped Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of whipped cream. Spoon cherry filling evenly over the whipped cream layer. Top with the second cake layer.
Frost and Decorate: Frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining whipped cream. Garnish with shaved chocolate and fresh cherries on top.

ORIGIN

Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.

META INFOS

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy

BENEFITS

Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.

OCCASIONS

Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep

VARIATIONS

Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.

PAIRINGS

Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries

STORAGE

Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

TIPS

Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.

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