Black Forest Cake is a classic German dessert that features layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherry filling, and whipped cream, often topped with chocolate shavings. Here's a delicious recipe for a homemade Black Forest Cake:

Ingredients:


For the chocolate sponge cake:

  1. 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  3. 2 cups granulated sugar
  4. 2 teaspoons baking powder
  5. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  7. 3 large eggs, room temperature
  8. 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  9. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  10. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the cherry filling:

  1. 3 cups frozen or fresh cherries, pitted
  2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/4 cup water
  4. 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the whipped cream:

  1. 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
  2. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For decoration:

  1. Chocolate shavings
  2. Maraschino cherries

Instructions:

  1. For the chocolate sponge cake:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on wire racks.

For the cherry filling:

  1. In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, water, and cornstarch.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let the cherry filling cool completely.

For the whipped cream:

In a large mixing bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assembly:

  1. Once the cakes and cherry filling are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate.
  2. Spread a layer of cherry filling on top of the cake layer.
  3. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the cherry filling.
  4. Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers, cherry filling, and whipped cream.
  5. Use a spatula or a cake scraper to smooth the whipped cream on the top and sides of the cake.
  6. Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate shavings and maraschino cherries.
  7. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to set the whipped cream and allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Slice and serve the delicious homemade Black Forest Cake and enjoy the combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and luscious whipped cream!