Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)

Tutorial video

Ingredients (17)

• 200 g all-purpose flour
• 60 g cocoa powder
• 200 g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs
• 120 ml milk
• 120 ml vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 400 g sweet cherries, pitted
• 2 tbsp cherry juice
• 500 ml heavy whipping cream
• 50 g powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
• 100 g dark chocolate, shaved
• 200 g dark chocolate, melted (optional ganache)

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

350 kcal

Carbohydrate

45 g

Protein

4 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sodium

150 mg

Calcium

80 mg

Potassium

250 mg

Iron

2 mg

Zinc

1 mg

Magnesium

20 mg

Cholesterol

80 mg

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease two 9‑inch round cake pans.
• Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a bowl.
• In a separate bowl whisk sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy, then whisk in milk, oil and vanilla extract.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
• Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake 25‑30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
• While the cakes cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
• If using ganache, melt the dark chocolate with a splash of cream and let it thicken slightly.
• Slice each cake layer horizontally to create four thin layers.
• Mix the pitted cherries with cherry juice; set aside a handful for garnish.
• Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom cake, then spoon a generous amount of cherries over it.
• Repeat the cream‑and‑cherry layering for the remaining cake layers, finishing with a thick coat of whipped cream on the top and sides of the cake.
• Drizzle or spread the optional ganache over the top if desired, then sprinkle the shaved dark chocolate curls and the reserved cherries for decoration.
• Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.