Black Forest Cake

Tags: #dessert #german #chocolate #cherries #layered Serving: 12 slices Total time: 3 hours

A classic German cake with chocolate sponge layers, cherries, whipped cream, and kirsch.

Ingredients

• 200g all-purpose flour
• 200g sugar
• 50g cocoa powder
• 5g baking powder
• 5g baking soda
• 2g salt
• 2 large eggs
• 240ml buttermilk
• 120ml strong coffee, cooled
• 120ml vegetable oil
• 5ml vanilla extract
• 600ml heavy cream
• 75g powdered sugar
• 60ml kirsch
• 680g jar cherries in syrup, drained
• 100g dark chocolate, grated

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 180°C
2. Grease three 20cm round pans
3. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
4. Beat eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients
6. Divide between pans and bake 25 minutes
7. Cool completely
8. Whip cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form
9. Fold kirsch into whipped cream
10. Place one layer on serving plate
11. Spread cream and arrange cherries on top
12. Add second layer and repeat
13. Top with third layer
14. Cover entire cake with remaining cream
15. Decorate with cherries and grated chocolate
16. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving

Notes

This iconic German dessert traditionally uses kirsch (cherry brandy) for authentic flavor. The combination of chocolate, cherries, and cream creates the perfect balance of flavors.