Description
A classic German dessert featuring moist chocolate cake layers soaked with cherry syrup, filled with whipped cream and sweet cherries, and finished with chocolate shavings. Rich, elegant, and perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup hot coffee
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
2 cups cherry pie filling or pitted cherries
1/4 cup cherry syrup or kirsch (optional)
1 cup chocolate shavings
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter.
6. Stir in hot coffee until smooth.
7. Divide batter between pans and bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
8. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
9. Slice cakes horizontally to create four layers.
10. Brush layers with cherry syrup or kirsch if using.
11. Spread whipped cream and cherries between layers, then frost the outside with remaining whipped cream.
12. Decorate with chocolate shavings and whole cherries. Chill before serving.
Notes
Use kirsch for authentic flavor, but it can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
Ensure cakes are completely cool before assembling to prevent whipped cream from melting.
Store refrigerated and serve within 2–3 days.
For best texture, assemble cake a few hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Black Forest Cake, Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte, chocolate cherry cake, classic German dessert, celebration cake