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Perfect Black Forest Cake Recipe with Kirsch Cherries and Dark Chocolate for an Easy Homemade Dessert

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A rich and moist black forest cake featuring kirsch-soaked cherries, fluffy whipped cream, and a silky dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed slightly
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (300g) pitted sour cherries, fresh or frozen (thawed)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) kirsch (cherry brandy), optional
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 6 oz (170g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
  4. Slowly add dry ingredients alternately with warm milk and melted butter, mixing gently. Stir in vanilla extract. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then invert onto a rack to cool completely.
  6. In a small saucepan, combine cherries, kirsch, sugar, and lemon juice. Warm gently over low heat for 5 minutes until sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool and soak.
  7. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Avoid overwhipping.
  8. Heat heavy cream for ganache until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 2 minutes. Stir until smooth, then stir in butter. Cool slightly.
  9. Assemble cake: place one layer on plate, brush with kirsch syrup, spread one-third whipped cream, spoon half cherries. Repeat with second layer.
  10. Top with remaining whipped cream, smooth sides, pour ganache over top letting it drip down sides naturally.
  11. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Warm milk and butter before mixing to ensure smooth batter and tender texture. Fold whipped cream gently to keep lightness. Watch baking time closely to avoid dry edges. Use low heat to soak cherries to preserve fresh flavor. For glossy ganache, ensure cream is hot enough before adding chocolate.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Forest Cake, Kirsch Cherries, Dark Chocolate, Homemade Dessert, Chocolate Cake, Whipped Cream, Ganache, Easy Cake Recipe

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