Print

Black Forest Cake with whipped cream frosting Recipe

Black Forest Cake with whipped cream frosting Recipe

4.8 from 13 reviews

This Black Forest Cake with whipped cream frosting is a decadent, classic chocolate sponge layered with luscious cherry filling and topped generously with fluffy whipped cream. Enhanced with a hint of Kirsch and decorated with chocolate shavings and whole cherries, this elegant cake is perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

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

For the Cherry Filling:

  • 1 jar pitted cherries (or 2 cups fresh/frozen, pitted)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • 2 tbsp Kirsch (cherry brandy) – optional

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

  • 3 cups heavy cream, chilled
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

  • Chocolate shavings or curls
  • Whole cherries (fresh or maraschino)

Instructions

  1. Bake the chocolate sponge: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Slowly stir in the hot coffee or hot water; the batter will be thin. Divide the batter evenly among three greased and lined 8-inch cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans.
  2. Prepare cherry filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries and sugar. Cook until the cherries release their juice and the mixture is simmering. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the Kirsch if using. Allow the cherry filling to cool completely to room temperature.
  3. Make whipped cream frosting: Using a chilled mixing bowl and beaters, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat. Keep the whipped cream in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  4. Assemble the cake: Place the first cooled cake layer on a serving board or plate. Lightly brush the surface with some cherry syrup from the cherry filling to moisten the cake. Spread an even layer of whipped cream over the cake, then spoon a generous amount of cherry filling on top. Repeat the process with the second cake layer. Place the third cake layer on top without additional filling. Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing it evenly on the sides and top.
  5. Decorate and chill: Garnish the cake with chocolate shavings or curls and whole cherries on top. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour before serving to let the flavors meld and the cake firm up.
  6. Serve: Slice the chilled Black Forest Cake, serve on plates, and enjoy this classic dessert indulgence with family and friends!

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and texture in the cake batter.
  • If buttermilk is not available, substitute by adding 1 tsp vinegar to 1 cup whole milk and let it stand 5 minutes.
  • Kirsch is optional but adds a traditional cherry brandy flavor; omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Ensure the cherry filling is completely cooled before layering to avoid melting the whipped cream.
  • For best results, chill the cake for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors and texture.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Forest Cake, chocolate cake, cherry filling, whipped cream frosting, classic dessert, German cake, chocolate sponge