Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake is a sumptuous and elegant dessert that embodies the essence of indulgence. This classic cake is a delightful fusion of rich, velvety chocolate layers and luscious, juicy cherries, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that are both decadent and satisfying.
At the heart of this cake are its moist chocolate layers, made with a tender, cocoa-infused batter that bakes up beautifully soft and fluffy. Each slice reveals a deep, chocolatey crumb that pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart cherry filling. The cake’s layers are generously brushed with cherry brandy or juice, which imparts a subtle yet delightful cherry essence that infuses the chocolate with an extra layer of sophistication.
The cherry filling itself is a highlight, featuring plump, juicy cherries cooked down into a thick, glossy compote. This filling not only adds a burst of fruity flavor but also a beautiful contrast in texture against the rich chocolate cake. The filling’s sweetness and slight tartness balance wonderfully with the deep cocoa notes of the cake.
Topping it all off is a luxurious layer of whipped cream frosting. Light, airy, and perfectly sweetened, this creamy frosting envelops the cake in a soft, cloud-like embrace. It’s a classic complement to the rich chocolate and vibrant cherry flavors, providing a refreshing and delicate finish to each bite.
The final touches—garnished with chocolate shavings or curls and adorned with fresh cherries—add an elegant and visually appealing flourish, making the cake not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes.
Perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply as a special dessert to enjoy, Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake is a timeless confection that delivers on both taste and presentation. Its rich layers, fruity filling, and creamy frosting come together in a dessert that is as delightful to make as it is to savor.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Assembly:
- 1/2 cup Kirsch (cherry brandy) or cherry juice
- Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)
- Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to thicken and the cherries are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the filling cool completely.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops if necessary.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and brush with half of the Kirsch or cherry juice.
- Spread a layer of the cherry filling over the cake, followed by a layer of whipped cream frosting.
- Place the second cake layer on top, brush with the remaining Kirsch or cherry juice, and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls and fresh cherries if desired.
- Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
Tips:
- For a more intense cherry flavor, you can use more cherry filling or add a layer of cherry preserves between the cake layers.
- To ensure a smooth and even frosting, chill the cake and frosting before applying the final layer of whipped cream.
- If you prefer, you can use a pre-made cherry pie filling as a convenient alternative to homemade cherry filling.
This Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake is a decadent and indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate cake with sweet cherry filling and fluffy whipped cream. The classic combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect choice for special occasions, celebrations, or simply as a delightful dessert to impress your family and friends.
