Classic Black Forest Cake
A rich, moist chocolate cake layered with homemade cherry compote and fluffy whipped cream — this Black Forest Cake is a timeless showstopper! Topped with chocolate shavings and juicy cherries, it’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or when you just need something decadent. Made with pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps, this German classic is easier than it looks!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling & assembling)
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
→ For the Chocolate Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
→ For the Cherry Filling:
2 cups cherries or sweet cherries (fresh or canned)
½ cup sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
→ For the Whipped Cream:
2 cups cold heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
→ For Garnish:
Grated chocolate
Whole cherries
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Chocolate Cake:
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 22–24 cm round cake pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Carefully stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool completely.
2️⃣ Make the Cherry Filling:
In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix cornstarch with a little water and add to the cherry mixture. Cook until thickened, then cool.
3️⃣ Make the Whipped Cream:
Beat cold cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
4️⃣ Assemble the Cake:
Slice cooled cake horizontally into 2 or 3 layers.
Spread cherry filling and whipped cream between each layer.
Cover the top and sides with whipped cream.
5️⃣ Decorate:
Garnish with grated chocolate and whole cherries.
Chill before serving.
Notes
Use fresh cherries when in season for best flavor, or canned/tinned if needed.
For added depth, brush cake layers with cherry juice or kirsch before assembling.
Store cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/classic-black-forest-cake/
