Desserts > Cake > Chocolate Cakes

Classic Black Forest Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shaved chocolate

Special equipment needed:
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Cake leveler or serrated knife
- Pastry bag with star tip

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line the bottom of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Using a cake leveler or serrated knife, level the tops of the cakes.
8. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread cherry pie filling on top of the cake layer.
9. Place the second cake layer on top of the cherry filling.
10. In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
11. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped cream.
12. Pipe rosettes around the top edge of the cake with a pastry bag and star tip.
13. Sprinkle shaved chocolate on top of the rosettes and around the bottom edge of the cake.


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

Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 460mg
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 36g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of cherry pie filling, you can use fresh cherries or raspberry jam.
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use whipped topping or cream cheese frosting.

Variations:
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers.
- Substitute the cherry filling with raspberry or strawberry filling.
- Use chocolate shavings or curls for decoration instead of grated chocolate.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting.
- Use a cake leveler or serrated knife to level the cake layers for a more even cake.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

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

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

Presentation ideas:
Serve the cake on a cake stand or plate and decorate with fresh cherries or raspberries.

Garnishes:
Fresh cherries, raspberries, or chocolate shavings.

Pairings:
Coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or vanilla ice cream.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake layers are too thin, increase the amount of batter or use smaller cake pans.
- If the cake is dry, reduce the baking time or increase the amount of buttermilk.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to use pasteurized eggs and refrigerate the cake promptly after serving.

Food history:
The Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is a traditional German dessert that originated in the Black Forest region of Germany. It is named after the local cherry brandy, Kirschwasser, which is used in the recipe.

Flavor profiles:
The Classic Black Forest Cake is a rich and decadent chocolate cake with layers of cherry filling and whipped cream frosting.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert for special occasions or holidays.

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Region: German

Taste: Rich, Chocolatey, Sweet, Fruity, Moist