Luxurious Black Forest Cake

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Description: Luxurious Black Forest Cake is a decadent dessert that layers moist chocolate cake with rich whipped cream, tart cherries, and a hint of Kirsch (cherry schnapps), creating the ultimate indulgence for any celebration. This version of the classic German dessert takes it up a notch with extra layers of velvety cream and a generous amount of sweet cherries, making it the perfect showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Origin: Black Forest Cake, or “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte,” originates from the Black Forest region in Germany. The cake is named after the cherry liqueur, Kirsch, which comes from the region. It’s a traditional and beloved cake, known for its striking layers of chocolate sponge, cream, and cherries.

Ingredients (for 8-10 servings):

For the Cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup Kirsch (cherry schnapps) or cherry juice (if non-alcoholic)

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh or jarred cherries (pitted)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (if using fresh cherries)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Kirsch (optional)

For Decoration:

  • Chocolate shavings or curls
  • Fresh cherries with stems (optional)
  • Whipped cream for piping

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth. Finally, stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin, but that’s normal).
  3. Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Prepare the cherry filling: If using fresh cherries, pit them and cut them in half. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the Kirsch (if using). Let the cherry mixture cool to room temperature.
  5. Make the whipped cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  6. Assemble the cake: Once the cake layers have cooled, slice each layer in half horizontally to create 4 layers. Place the first layer of cake on a serving platter and brush with 2 tablespoons of the Kirsch (or cherry juice). Spread a generous amount of whipped cream over the cake, followed by a layer of cherry filling. Repeat the process with the second and third layers of cake, whipped cream, and cherries.
  7. Top the cake: Place the final layer of cake on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing it out with a spatula. Decorate with chocolate shavings or curls, fresh cherries, and extra whipped cream for a beautiful finish.
  8. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

  • Cake texture: Make sure to use a high-quality cocoa powder to get the best chocolate flavor. If the cake is too dry, you can add a bit more liquid to the batter.
  • Filling: If you don’t have Kirsch, you can substitute with cherry juice or omit the alcohol altogether.
  • Whipped cream: Be careful not to overwhip the cream; it should be thick but still soft and spreadable.
  • Decoration: Use a mix of shaved chocolate, whole cherries, and whipped cream rosettes for an elegant presentation.

Recommendations:

  • Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance out the richness of the cake.
  • This cake is perfect for any celebration, including birthdays, holidays, or even an afternoon treat with friends.

Nutrition (per slice, approximate):

  • Calories: 450-500
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 200mg

This Luxurious Black Forest Cake is a showstopper dessert that blends the richness of chocolate cake with the lightness of whipped cream and the sweetness of cherries, making it the perfect treat for any special occasion or indulgent craving!

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