Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream, reserving a portion to pipe decorations, if desired. Spoon the remaining filling onto the top of the cake. Refrigerate the cake until serving.
Black Forest Cake Variations
Add more chocolate: Love this chocolate and cherry combo? Add even more chocolate by mixing mini chocolate chips into the cake batter. You could also choose to top the cake with a chocolate ganache, surrounded by a whipped cream border.
Make cupcakes: It will require a bit more effort, but this easy Black Forest cake recipe can be transformed into cupcakes. Divide the chocolate cake batter and bake the cupcakes. Use a piping bag or cupcake corer to add the filling to the middle of the cupcakes, then top each with whipped cream and a bit of extra cherry filling.
Skip the alcohol: Prefer to make this Black Forest cake recipe alcohol-free? You can replace the cherry brandy with cherry or vanilla extract if desired.
How to Store Black Forest Cake
Since Black Forest cake is topped with homemade whipped cream, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Store it covered or in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.
How long does Black Forest cake last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, this Black Forest cake will last in the fridge for up to four days.
Can you make Black Forest cake ahead of time?
Because it’s topped with fresh whipped cream, a Black Forest cake isn’t the best make-ahead cake. However, you could prep some components ahead of time to save time. Bake and cool the chocolate cake layers and wrap them in storage wrap so they’re ready to use. You could also make the filling ahead of time. Make the whipped cream and assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.
Black Forest Cake Tips
What else can you serve with Black Forest cake?
Like other chocolate and cherry desserts, Black Forest cake doesn’t need much in terms of pairing. Keep things simple with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream. Enjoy a double shot of espresso with your dessert, too.
How do you decorate a Black Forest cake?
Black Forest cake can be decorated in a number of ways. Use a piping bag to pipe decorative whipped cream on top. You could also choose to dress up the top and sides with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips. Fresh, whole cherries also make a wonderful garnish on top.
Watch How to Make Black Forest CakeIngredients
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
filling:
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) pitted tart cherries
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons cherry brandy or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
whipped cream:
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
Directions
1
Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of two greased 9-in. round baking pans; grease paper.
2
In a large bowl, beat milk, eggs, oil and vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into milk mixture.
3
Transfer to prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
4
Meanwhile, for filling, drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup juice. In a small saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch and reserved juice; add cherries. Cook and stir over low heat 10-12 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; stir in brandy. Cool completely.
5
In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners’ sugar; beat until stiff peaks form.
6
Using a long serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Top with 1-1/2 cups whipped cream. Spread 3/4 cup filling to within 1 in. of edge. Repeat twice. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining whipped cream, reserving some to pipe decorations, if desired. Spoon remaining filling onto top of cake. Refrigerate until serving.
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 659 calories, 34g fat (15g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 84g carbohydrate (59g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
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