Desserts > Cake > Chocolate Cakes > German Cakes

Black Forest Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream

Special equipment needed:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Cake stand or plate

Step-by-step instructions:

For the cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on low speed until just combined.
4. Gradually pour in the boiling water and mix until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating on low speed until just combined.
3. Increase the speed to high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

To assemble:
1. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake.
3. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the frosting, spreading it evenly.
4. Place the second cake layer on top of the cherry filling.
5. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
6. Garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh cherries if desired.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
Bake at 350°F.
Serving size:
12 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 647
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 81mg
Sodium: 471mg
Carbohydrates: 103g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 82g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use sour cream or yogurt instead of buttermilk.
- You can use canola oil or melted butter instead of vegetable oil.
- You can use any fruit pie filling instead of cherry.

Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cake batter.
- You can add a layer of whipped cream between the cake layers.
- You can use a different frosting, such as chocolate or whipped cream.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to grease and line the cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Don't overmix the cake batter or it will become tough.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers if necessary.

Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation ideas:
Decorate the cake with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream.

Garnishes:
Fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, whipped cream.

Pairings:
Coffee, tea, or milk.

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit, ice cream, or sorbet.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding more buttermilk or oil to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, try reducing the amount of liquid in the batter.
- If the frosting is too runny, try adding more powdered sugar.
- If the frosting is too thick, try adding more heavy cream.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and utensils before cooking.

Food history:
Black Forest cake is a traditional German dessert made with chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream.

Flavor profiles:
Chocolate, cherry, cream cheese.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert after a meal or for a special occasion.

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Region: German

Taste: Rich, Sweet, Chocolatey, Creamy, Tart