Black Forest Cake

This Black Forest Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream! With rich chocolate sponge layers, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy cherries, every bite is decadent and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a holiday, or just because you love cherries and chocolate together, this classic German dessert is always a winner.

---

👉 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)

For the Cherry Filling

• 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp cherry liqueur (optional, but traditional)

For the Whipped Cream Frosting

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration

• Fresh cherries with stems
• Chocolate shavings

---

👉 How to Make It

1️⃣ Bake the Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, beat sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
• Add buttermilk and mix, then stir in the dry ingredients.
• Pour in hot coffee, stirring until smooth (batter will be thin).
• Divide into cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool completely before assembling.

2️⃣ Make the Cherry Filling

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
• Stir in cherry liqueur if using, then let cool.

3️⃣ Make the Whipped Cream

• Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

4️⃣ Assemble the Cake

• Slice each cake layer in half to create four layers.
• Place the first layer on a plate, spread with whipped cream, and top with cherry filling.
• Repeat with the next two layers.
• Top with the final cake layer and cover with whipped cream.
• Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.

---

FAQ & Troubleshooting

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake layers 2 days ahead and store them wrapped at room temp. The cherry filling and whipped cream can be made fresh before assembling.

2. Can I use canned cherries?

Yes! If using cherry pie filling, just spoon it onto the layers as-is.

3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Since it has whipped cream, keep the cake refrigerated for up to 3 days.

4. Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Yes, but homemade tastes much better!

5. Why is my whipped cream runny?

✔️ Use cold heavy cream
✔️ Don’t overbeat it—stop when you see stiff peaks
✔️ Chill your mixing bowl before whipping for better texture

---

This Black Forest Cake is light, chocolatey, and bursting with cherry flavor—a true showstopper. If you make it, let me know how it turns out! 🍒🍫✨

📌 Save this recipe for later!