Best 6 Traditional Black Forest Cake Recipes

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The traditional Black Forest cake is a celebration of flavors and textures, originating from the heart of Germany’s Black Forest region. This iconic cake has captivated taste buds worldwide with its rich chocolate layers, luscious cherry filling, and generous dollop of whipped cream. Indulge in a journey through the history, variations, and step-by-step process of creating this timeless dessert, leaving you with a decadent masterpiece that will steal the show at any gathering.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

BLACK FOREST CAKE I



Black Forest Cake I image

This recipe delivers a classic version of the original Black Forest cake with whipped cream frosting and sour cherries.

Provided by Linda Greer

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Cherry Dessert Recipes

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 ⅛ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 (20 ounce) cans pitted sour cherries
1 cup white sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups heavy whipping cream
⅓ cup confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch, round, cake pans; cover bottoms with waxed paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour, 2 cups sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and 1 tablespoon vanilla; beat until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pans.
  • Bake for 35 minutes, or until wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool layers in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Loosen edges, and remove to racks to cool completely.
  • Drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup juice. Combine reserved juice, cherries, 1 cup sugar and cornstarch in a 2 quart saucepan. Cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cool before using.
  • Combine whipping cream and confectioner's sugar in a chilled medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form.
  • With long serrated knife, split each cake layer horizontally in half. Tear one split layer into crumbs; set aside. Reserve 1 1/2 cups Frosting for decorating cake; set aside. Gently brush loose crumbs off top and side of each cake layer with pasty brush or hands. To assemble, place one cake layer on cake plate. Spread with 1 cup frosting; top with 3/4 cup cherry topping. Top with second cake layer; repeat layers of frosting and cherry topping. Top with third cake layer. Frost side of cake. Pat reserved crumbs onto frosting on side of cake. Spoon reserved frosting into pastry bag fitted with star decorator tip. Pipe around top and bottom edges of cake. Spoon remaining cherry topping onto top of cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 661.9 calories, Carbohydrate 86.9 g, Cholesterol 129.6 mg, Fat 33.9 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 7.5 g, SaturatedFat 16 g, Sodium 341.9 mg, Sugar 61.8 g

BLACK FOREST CAKE



Black Forest Cake image

Some historians trace this famous cherry-chocolate cake (called Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in German) back to the 16th century, but it was most likely named and popularized by German baker Josef Keller in 1915 Germans take their world-famous dessert seriously: The cake was granted protected status by the European Commission in 2013, meaning that for a dessert to be sold as a Black Forest Cake, it must contain Black Forest kirsch, a brandy made from local cherries.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 3h10m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

Unsalted butter, for the pans
1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, plus more for the pans
8 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup almond flour
11/3 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 cups cold heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups cherries in light syrup, such as Morello, drained and chopped, plus 2 tablespoons syrup from one 24-ounce jar)
1 to 2 tablespoons kirsch (cherry brandy; optional)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
Shaved chocolate, for topping

Steps:

  • Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottoms and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans; line the bottoms with parchment paper. Butter the parchment and dust the bottoms and sides of the pans with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess.
  • Put the eggs (in their shells) in a medium bowl and cover with hot tap water; let stand 5 minutes (warming the eggs will help them whip better). Sift the cocoa powder, cake flour and salt into a medium bowl, then whisk in the almond flour; set aside.
  • Remove the eggs from the water and crack into a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar and beat with a mixer on low speed to combine. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until pale, fluffy and thick, about 10 minutes. The mixture should fall off the beaters in a ribbon when lifted.
  • Sprinkle one-third of the flour mixture over the egg mixture and gently fold with a whisk until combined. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture in two batches, adding the vanilla with the final addition. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until the cakes pull away from the sides of the pans and a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Immediately run a small offset spatula around the edges to loosen. Let the cakes cool 5 minutes in the pans, then remove to a rack, parchment-side down, and let cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, make the whipped cream: Whisk the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan (the cornstarch will help stabilize the whipped cream). Slowly add 3/4 cup heavy cream, whisking, until a paste forms. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring, until thick and bubbling, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl, place a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface and refrigerate until completely cooled, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the filling: Bring the cherries, cherry syrup, kirsch and granulated sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the almond extract and transfer to a bowl. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
  • Finish the whipped cream: Beat the remaining 2 1/4 cups cold heavy cream and vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute. With the mixer running, add the cooked cream mixture and beat until stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Drain the cherries and reserve the syrup. Discard the parchment from the cakes. Trim a thin layer off the top of each cake with a long serrated knife. Put one cake cut-side up on a cake stand or serving plate and brush with half of the reserved syrup. Spread about 1 cup whipped cream over the top in a thin layer, then top with all but 1/4 cup cherries. Spread 1 cup whipped cream over the cherries in a thin layer. Top with the remaining cake and brush with the remaining syrup. Spread 1 1/2 cups whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake in a thin layer (some crumbs are OK). Refrigerate 30 minutes.
  • Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Sprinkle the shaved chocolate around the top of the cake and press into the sides; top with the reserved cherries. Refrigerate overnight; the cake will soak up the syrup.

AUTHENTIC BLACK FOREST CAKE (SCHWARZWALD KIRSCH KUCHEN)



Authentic Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwald Kirsch Kuchen) image

This cake isn't meant to be very sweet but is rather a dessert for adults with deep rich flavours and enough alcohol to make your head spin! If you cannot get fresh cherries you can use canned Bing cherries but please do not use cherry pie filling because it will take away from the authentic taste of the cake. If can't find Kirsch do not use another type of alcohol because it will not turn out the same - instead use cherry juice. Because of the high alcohol content only serve this to adults.

Provided by BK GeeGee

Categories     Dessert

Time P3DT20m

Yield 1 cake, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup kirsch
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 cups icing sugar
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup espresso
1 1/2 lbs fresh black cherries
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 cup kirsch
2 tablespoons dry milk
2 tablespoons icing sugar
1/2 cup shaved dark chocolate

Steps:

  • Pit most of the cherries leaving about 10 for decoration on top of the cake. Take the pitted cherries and soak them in a jar of the 1/2 cup Kirsch overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F Line the bottom of three 9 inch round cake pans with parchment.
  • Sift the dry cake ingredients together.
  • Cream the shortening and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
  • Add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk and mix well.
  • Pour evenly into the cake pans. Bake for 20 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean.
  • Cool and remove the cakes. Prick the tops of the cakes with a toothpick and pour the 1/2 cup of Kirsch (that the cherries soaked in) onto the cake.
  • In a bowl beat the butter until light and creamy. Add the icing sugar, salt and espresso and mix well. If the icing is too thick add Kirsch or cherry juice.
  • Cut the cherries into halves.
  • Place the base layer on top of your cake tray, spread 1/2 of the filling over one top, cover with cherries and top with another layer of cake.
  • Spread the second half of the filling over that layer of cake, cover with cherries and top with the third layer of cake. Cover this and let sit in the fridge for a day or two to allow the kirsch to soak into the cake and become moist.
  • The day you're going to serve this cake prepare the icing. Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
  • Gently fold in the dry milk and icing sugar.
  • Add the vanilla and pour in the Kirsch until it's a good consistency.
  • If you like more icing double this recipe. Spread the icing over all of the cake.
  • Place the fresh, intact cherries on top for decoration and cover the top with the chocolate shavings. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1021.4, Fat 54.2, SaturatedFat 28.5, Cholesterol 162.2, Sodium 649.8, Carbohydrate 134.1, Fiber 6.3, Sugar 102.3, Protein 11.1

BLACK FOREST CAKE



Black Forest Cake image

This is my favorite cake. My grand mother taught me how to prepare Black Forest Cake.

Provided by donnadon

Time 1h

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 deg F (Gas mark 4 or 180 deg C).
  • Line a 9 inch (23 cm) cake pan with greaseproof or other non-stick paper.
  • With an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with sugar until white and fluffy.
  • Add one egg at a time, mix well between each egg.
  • Add sifted flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla extract and buttermilk, and mix until the batter is smooth.
  • Transfer to a cake pan and bake at 350 degrees just until set in the middle, approximately 45-60 minutes. A wooden pick inserted in center should come out with just a few moist crumbs on it. Do not over-bake!
  • When cake is cool, use a long serrated knife to cut the cake horizontally into 3 equal layers. It is easier to cut if kept in a refrigerator for a few hours before cutting.
  • Filling
  • Drain cherry pie filling in a colander to remove most of the thickened juices.
  • Beat the whipping cream with confectioners' sugar until it thickens.
  • Using a vegetable peeler, shave chocolate; refrigerate until the cake is assembled.

HAUNTED BLACK FOREST LAYER CAKE



Haunted Black Forest Layer Cake image

Topped with chocolate ganache and studded with cherries, this classic cake recipe is irresistible to all creatures, vampire or otherwise.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 Chocolate Genoise, 9-inch round cakes
3/4 cup Simple Syrup for Black Forest Layer Cake, with kirsch
Espresso Whipped Cream
Black Cherry Filling
Chocolate Ganache for Black Forest Layer Cake

Steps:

  • To make this cake, you will double the Genoise cake recipe, stirring 1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder into the flour and salt. Bake in two 9-inch round cake pans that are buttered, lined with parchment paper, and dusted with cocoa powder. To make simple syrup with kirsch, stir in 1/3 cup kirsch to simple syrup recipe.
  • Slice each cake in half horizontally. Place 1 cake layer on a cake stand. Brush top with 1/4 cup simple syrup. Spread with 2 cups whipped cream, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Remove cherries from filling syrup with a slotted spoon, and transfer to a medium bowl. Scatter 1 1/4 cups cherries evenly over whipped cream. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons filling syrup. Repeat 2 times. Place final cake layer, cut side down, on top, and spread with ganache. Serve immediately.

BLACK FOREST DESSERT CAKE



Black Forest Dessert Cake image

"The cake is a traditional German dessert. When my daughter went to Germany on a backpacking trip, she said the streets were lined with pastry shops." -Patricia Rutherford, Winchester, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 35m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 package (9 ounces) devil's food cake mix
1/2 cup water
1 large egg
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, beat the cake mix, water and egg on medium speed for 3-4 minutes. Pour into a greased 9-in. springform pan; place pan on a baking sheet. , Bake at 350° for 23-25 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool on a wire rack., In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy; fold in whipped topping. Spread pie filling over cake; top with cream cheese mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours. Remove sides of pan.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • To achieve the best results, use high-quality ingredients.
  • Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking.
  • Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
  • Bake the cake in a preheated oven, and avoid opening the oven door during baking as this can cause the cake to fall.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before you assemble and decorate it.
  • If you don't have a cherry pitter, you can use a sharp knife to remove the pits from the cherries.
  • If you're using frozen cherries, be sure to thaw them and drain them thoroughly before using.
  • You can use a variety of different liqueurs to flavor the cake, such as kirschwasser, cherry brandy, or amaretto.
  • If you don't have heavy cream, you can use milk instead.

Conclusion:

The Black Forest cake is a classic German dessert that is loved by people all over the world. It is a delicious and impressive cake that is perfect for any special occasion. With its layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherries, and whipped cream, the Black Forest cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give the Black Forest cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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