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The BEST Black Forest Cake Recipe: A Slice of Heaven

Black Forest cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte as it’s known in its native Germany, is a timeless classic that combines rich chocolate layers with the lusciousness of cherries and the decadence of whipped cream. This dessert is perfect for special occasions, birthdays, or simply when you need a sweet pick-me-up. If you’re searching for the best Black Forest cake recipe, look no further. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create this indulgent treat that will leave your taste buds singing.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge:

• 250g plain flour
• 50g cocoa powder
• 300g caster sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 250ml whole milk
• 125ml vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 250ml boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 600g morello cherries (jarred or fresh)
• 100g caster sugar
• 2 tbsp Kirsch (cherry brandy)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 100ml water

For the Whipped Cream:

• 600ml double cream
• 2 tbsp icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Dark chocolate shavings
• Fresh cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Sponge

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with baking parchment.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently. Once combined, carefully stir in the boiling water until you have a smooth batter.

5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. Cook the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them. In a saucepan, combine the cherries with 100g of sugar, Kirsch, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

2. Thicken the Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a splash of cold water to make a slurry. Gradually add it to the cherry mixture while stirring continuously. Allow to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

1. Prepare Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, whip the double cream with icing sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip; you want a smooth and creamy consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the Cakes: Once the chocolate cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife to ensure they stack neatly.

2. Layer the Cake: Place one layer of chocolate sponge on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the cake, followed by half of the cherry filling. Top with another layer of the sponge.

3. Repeat: Spread more whipped cream on top of the second layer and add the remaining cherry filling. Use the remaining whipped cream to cover the sides and top of the cake.

Step 5: Decorate

1. Finish with Chocolate: Decorate the top of the cake with dark chocolate shavings, and place a few fresh cherries on top for a stunning finish.

2. Chill: Allow the cake to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavours meld together beautifully and makes slicing easier.

Conclusion

There you have it — the best Black Forest cake recipe that is sure to impress every chocolate and cherry lover in your life. This cake is rich, moist, and bursting with flavour, making it a perfect centrepiece for any gathering. So why not gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful dessert, and create some sweet memories? Enjoy!

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