Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Elegance: A classic Black Forest Cake adds sophistication to your holiday table.
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream is timeless and irresistible.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with variations to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Its stunning presentation makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert for Christmas celebrations.
- Rich Yet Balanced: The light whipped cream balances the richness of the chocolate and cherries.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Large eggs
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Boiling water
- Dark cherries in syrup
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Dark chocolate shavings or curls
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Gradually stir in the boiling water, mixing until the batter becomes thin and pourable.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Slice each cake horizontally to create four layers in total. Spread whipped cream and cherries between each layer, then stack.
- Cover the outside of the cake with whipped cream and decorate with chocolate shavings and extra cherries for a festive touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Alcohol-Infused: Add a splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the cherry syrup for a traditional Black Forest flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal, use plant-based milk, and opt for dairy-free whipped cream.
- Berry Mix: Swap the cherries for a mix of berries, like raspberries or strawberries, for a different twist.
- Mini Cakes: Create individual portions by baking the batter in smaller pans or ramekins.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling.
- Reheating: Not typically needed for this cake, but if you want to enjoy a warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned ones?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used. Cook them with sugar and a bit of water to create a syrupy consistency.
2. What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
3. Is kirsch necessary for the recipe?
No, kirsch is optional and can be omitted or replaced with cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version.
4. How do I prevent my whipped cream from deflating?
Use cold cream and utensils, and whip just until soft peaks form. Avoid overwhipping.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake layers and prepare the whipped cream a day ahead. Assemble on the day of serving.
6. How do I make perfect chocolate shavings?
Use a vegetable peeler to shave chocolate from a bar for uniform curls.
7. Can I use regular cream instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream is recommended for its higher fat content, which holds better when whipped.
8. How do I keep the cake moist?
Ensure not to overbake, and store it covered to retain moisture.
9. Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache would also pair well.
10. What should I do if my cake layers are uneven?
Trim the tops with a serrated knife to even them out before layering.
Conclusion
This Black Forest Cake is a delightful combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and creamy whipped topping, making it an excellent choice for Christmas celebrations. Its beautiful presentation and balanced flavors will make it a crowd-pleaser at your holiday table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore variations, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking!
Black Forest Cake Christmas
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive magic of Christmas with this classic Black Forest Cake. Featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, this decadent dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Filling & Topping:
- 2 cups dark cherries in syrup (drained, syrup reserved)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Dark chocolate shavings or curls
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add boiling water, mixing until the batter is thin and pourable.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Slice each cake horizontally to create four layers.
- Spread whipped cream and cherries between each layer, stacking carefully.
- Coat the outside of the cake with whipped cream and decorate with chocolate shavings and cherries.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use kirsch (cherry liqueur) in the cherry syrup for an authentic Black Forest flavor.
- Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment before whipping the cream to ensure stability.
- To make even layers, trim the tops of the cake with a serrated knife if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-inspired
