Go Back
Slice of Black Forest cake with chocolate, cherries and whipped cream layers

Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)

A chocolate layer cake with tart cherries and lightly sweetened whipped cream, inspired by Germany’s classic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. This home version uses accessible pantry ingredients and a simple cherry filling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling & Chilling Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Calories: 590
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee
  • 2 cans canned tart cherries 14.5 ounces each; drained, with 1 cup juice reserved
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar for cherry filling
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream cold
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for cream
  • 1 ounce dark chocolate shaved

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat until combined. Carefully mix in hot coffee. Divide the thin batter between pans.
  4. Bake 28 to 32 minutes, until a tester in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then turn out and cool completely.
  5. For the filling, whisk 1 cup reserved cherry juice with 1/3 cup sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thick and glossy, 3 to 5 minutes. Fold in drained cherries and cool completely.
  6. Beat cold cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to soft, spreadable peaks. Keep chilled.
  7. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the whipped cream over it and spoon on half the cherry filling, leaving a small border. Top with the second layer and repeat with remaining cream and cherries.
  8. Garnish with chocolate shavings. Chill 30 minutes before slicing. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.