Black Forest Cherry Cake – A Heavenly Delight
Indulge in the magical blend of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream with this Black Forest Cherry Cake. An iconic dessert with layers of chocolatey good, succulent cherries, and smoothened whipped cream is sure to bring a sweet twist to your regular meals.
Why Choose Black Forest Cherry Cake
If you are a cherry or chocolate lover and love baking, this recipe will soon be your favourite. It’s perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or any special occasion. The sweet and slightly sour taste of the cherries combined with the classic taste of the pure cocoa cake supplemented by the whipped cream wins everyone’s heart.
Steps to Prepare Black Forest Cherry Cake
Ingredients:
Cake:
– All-purpose flour – 1 3/4 cups
– Unsweetened cocoa powder – 3/4 cup
– Granulated sugar – 2 cups
– Baking powder – 1 1/2 tsp
– Baking soda – 3/4 tsp
– Salt – 1/2 tsp
– Large eggs – 4
– Buttermilk – 1 cup
– Vegetable oil – 1/2 cup
– Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
Cherry filling:
– Pitted and halved cherries (fresh or canned) – 2 cups
– Cherry juice or syrup – 1/2 cup
– Cornstarch – 3 tbsp
– Sugar – 2 tbsp
Whipped Cream:
– Heavy whipping cream – 2 cups
– Powdered sugar – 1/2 cup
– Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Garnish:
– Chocolate shavings
– Whole cherries
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
2. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add in the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat for 2 minutes on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth.
4. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for a duration of 30-35 minutes. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the cake; it should come out clean.
5. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes and then shift them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
6. For the cherry filling, combine the halved cherries, cherry juice, cornstarch, and sugar in a saucepan. Stir continuously and bring it to the boil over medium heat until it thickens. Let it cool after that.
7. In a chilled bowl, pour in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract and beat it on high speed until stiff peaks form.
8. Lay one cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the thickened cherry filling over it followed by a layer of whipped cream.
9. Place the second layer and repeat the procedure. Then add the third cake layer on the top, spreading it with the whipped cream.
10. Your Black Forest Cherry Cake won’t be complete without the garnishing. Give it a finishing touch with chocolate shavings and whole cherries.
Perfect Way to Serve
Serve a generous slice of the Black Forest Cherry Cake chilled. A glass of milk or a hot cup of your favorite coffee brew on the side would greatly enhance the taste.
Storage Instructions
Store the remaining cake in a cake container or cover it tightly with a cling wrap or an aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
Handy Tips for the Perfect Cake
– Always preheat the oven before you start preparing the batter.
– Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This ensures even mixing and cooking.
– Gradually add the flour mixture and liquid to avoid lumps in your batter.
– Always allow your cakes to cool down properly before frosting.
Variations
– You can replace fresh cherries with canned cherries if you prefer.
– If you want to avoid granulated sugar, use honey or maple syrup as alternatives.
FAQs
– Can frozen cherries be used instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries; however, fresh ones give a better taste.
– How can a vegan version of this cake be made?
To make a vegan version, replace eggs with flaxseed eggs and use almond milk instead of regular milk. Remember to use vegan chocolate and a non-dairy whipped cream too.
– Can other fruits be used instead of cherries?
While cherries are traditionally used in a Black Forest Cake, you can use strawberries or raspberries too for a twist.