Black Forest Cake is a well-known German cake, that is made with layers of chocolate sponge cake filled with whipped cream and kirsch-soaked cherries, decorated with chocolate and more cherries.
One of the main ingredients in this recipe is the cherry brandy that the layers are soaked in, which is called kirschwasser, a brandy that originated from the Black Forest Mountain region in Germany. It is a clear sweetless, colorless cherry brandy, with a subtle cherry flavor, that brings its unique flavor to this simple yet delicious cake.
Given its high alcohol content, Black Forest Cake is typically considered a dessert for adults only. However, if you’re serving it to children, you can easily substitute the kirsch with a simple cherry syrup. This adjustment ensures that everyone can enjoy this delicious treat, regardless of age.
How to make Black Forest Cake
Begin by pitting the cherries, cutting them in half, and transferring them to a bowl. Pour the cherry brandy (kirsch) over the cherries and let them soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or even overnight.
How to prepare the chocolate sponge cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease with butter an 8-inch (20cm) round pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, salt, cocoa powder, and instant coffee. Whisk to combine and set aside until ready to use.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually incorporate the sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
Pour the melted chocolate over the yolks and stir to combine. Pour the chocolate yolk mixture over the whites and, using a spatula, gently fold them in. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert the cake onto a cooling rack and cool completely.
How to prepare the cherry filling
Drain the cherries, reserving the kirsch for later use. Transfer the drained cherries into a saucepan, add sugar, water, and cornstarch. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Simmer, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes until reduced and thick. Let it cool completely.
Next, prepare the whipped cream. In a large bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
How to assemble the Black Forest Cake
Divide the sponge cake into three layers. Place one cake layer on the serving platter, soak with a third of the reserved kirsch, spread half of the whipped cream, and then half of the cherry filling. Add the second cake layer, soak with another third of kirsch, spread the remaining whipped cream and cherry filling. Finish with the third layer, prick with a toothpick if necessary, and soak with the remaining kirsch.
Prepare the chocolate ganache by placing the chocolate, cream, and kirsch into a small saucepan. Place over very low heat until the chocolate is completely melted. Pour over the cake and let some drip down the sides.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. Decorate the cake with fresh cherries and chocolate curls if desired.
Hope you will give this Black Forest Cake a try, tag me on Instagram if you do, and enjoy!
For more layer cakes check our full collection of Layer Cake Recipes.
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Raspberry Vanilla Cake
Almond Coconut Cake (Raffaello cake)
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @homecookingadventure on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookingadventure.
most amazing black forest cake
Can I use blck cherries in syroup? And if so, how should i adjust the recipe?
Hi Beata.
You can soak the layers with kirsch or with black cherry syrup.
can I add vanilla essence to reduce the eggy smell?
Hi dear ella…. I used Manny of your recipes and all are really grate. Thanks a lot for sharing them with us.
I have a question about this cake.
What can I use instead of cherry brandy? I can’t find it in lran
appreciate…..
This recipe is absolutely fantastic, the cake is moist and delicious. I used high quality store bought black cherries and I used their syrup instead of the brandy since not everyone in my family likes liquor, turned out just perfect!
Sounds awesome Giulia 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the cake.. it is one of the best indeed 🙂