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Homemade Black Forest Cake

Jen Paleracio
Decadent layers of rich chocolate, sweet cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream frosting.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine German

Equipment

  • 2 9-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Cake stand or serving platter
  • Serrated knife

Ingredients
  

CHOCOLATE CAKE

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

CHERRY FILLING

  • 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
  • ½ cup Kirsch (cherry brandy), optional

WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

GARNISH

  • ½ cup dark chocolate shavings
  • Fresh cherries, for topping

Instructions
 

PREPARE THE CAKE

  • Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
  • Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to wire racks to cook completely.

PREPARE THE CHERRY FILLING

  • Drain the cherry pie filling, reserving the liquid.
  • Stir in the Kirsh, if using, for added flavor.

MAKE THE WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING

  • In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

ASSEMBLE THE CAKE

  • Slice each cake layer in half horizontally using a serrated knife to create four layers.
  • Place one cake layer on your serving platter. Spread a third of the cherry filling on top.
  • Repeat with the remaining layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top and sides.
  • Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh or maraschino cherries.

Notes

  • Read the full blog and learn how to ice a Black Forest Cake with homemade whipped cream. 
Keyword baking tips, black forest cake, cherry filling, chocolate cake, German dessert, healthy pancake recipe, homemade recipe, whipped cream frosting