This Black Forest Delight is a rich, layered cake filled with luscious whipped cream, dark chocolate, and sweet cherries. A classic dessert with a boozy twist of Kirsch, it’s perfect for celebrations or any occasion that calls for an indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor Combination: Chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream create a timeless dessert.
- Elegant Presentation: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or special gatherings.
- Customizable: Use fresh or canned cherries and adjust the sweetness or Kirsch to your liking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance and chill to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Kirsch (cherry schnapps)
- Dark chocolate (for shavings)
- Cherries (fresh or canned)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Baking powder
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
- Mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in their pans.
- Whip the heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form. Add a splash of Kirsch for added flavor.
- Slice the cooled cakes horizontally to create four layers.
- Spread whipped cream on the first layer and top with cherries. Repeat for each layer, stacking the cake as you go.
- Frost the top and sides with remaining whipped cream. Decorate with dark chocolate shavings and cherries for a classic finish.
- Chill the cake for at least one hour before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12 slices
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic: Skip the Kirsch and replace it with cherry syrup or juice for a kid-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour.
- Dark Chocolate Ganache: Add a drizzle of ganache for an extra chocolatey layer.
- Fruit Mix: Combine cherries with raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Serve chilled; no reheating is required.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different liqueur instead of Kirsch?
Yes, Amaretto or a cherry brandy are great substitutes.
2. How can I stabilize the whipped cream?
Add a teaspoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in water to help the whipped cream hold its shape.
3. Can I use pre-made cake layers?
Absolutely! Using store-bought cake layers can save time.
4. Are canned cherries as good as fresh?
Yes, canned cherries in syrup work wonderfully, especially when fresh cherries are out of season.
5. Can I add a chocolate layer?
You can spread a thin layer of melted chocolate between the cake layers for extra richness.
6. Is this dessert suitable for kids?
For a kid-friendly version, omit the Kirsch and replace it with cherry juice or syrup.
7. How do I make chocolate shavings?
Use a vegetable peeler to shave a block of dark chocolate into curls or flakes.
8. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, it’s best made a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop.
9. What’s the best way to slice the cake layers?
Use a serrated knife or a cake leveler for clean, even cuts.
10. Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes, whipped topping is a convenient alternative, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Black Forest Delight is a show-stopping dessert that combines layers of moist chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries with a hint of Kirsch. Whether for a party or a simple indulgence, it’s a recipe worth mastering. Try it today and impress your guests with this timeless classic!
Print
Classic Black Forest Delight
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This irresistible Black Forest Delight is a classic German-inspired chocolate cherry cake layered with rich cocoa sponge, fresh cherries, whipped cream, and a splash of Kirsch. Perfect for celebrations or any indulgent occasion!
Ingredients
- Cake Layers:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Filling and Decoration:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Kirsch (cherry schnapps)
- 1 cup fresh or canned cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, shaved
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and milk, stirring to combine.
- Combine Batter:
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in pans before removing.
- Make Whipped Cream:
- Beat heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form. Stir in Kirsch for extra flavor.
- Assemble Cake:
- Slice each cooled cake layer in half to create four layers.
- Place the first layer on a serving plate, spread with whipped cream, and top with cherries. Repeat for all layers.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Frost the top and sides with remaining whipped cream.
- Garnish with dark chocolate shavings and additional cherries.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Substitute Kirsch with cherry juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- For an extra indulgence, drizzle cherry syrup between layers.
- Keep the cake refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days.
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