A decadent dessert that’s layered with cherries, chocolate, and whipped cream. It is a must-have for any special occasion and easy enough to make at home!
The Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte) is a traditional German dessert. It features layers of light, fluffy chocolate sponge cake brushed with cherry kirsch syrup and frosted with cloud like, light and smooth whipped cream frosting. It is garnished with a mixture of chocolate shavings and fresh cherries for an elegant finish. It is one of the most popular cakes in the world and often considered the quintessential ‘dessert for two’ or celebratory cake, as it is perfect for sharing with a loved one.
What is the best way to store a Black Forest Cake?
The cake can be stored at room temperature, but the best way is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This will keep the cake moist and prevent freezer burn. You can also keep it in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three days. The whipped cream can be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated, but you will want to add it just prior to serving the cake to avoid it becoming too runny.
If you want to serve a more traditional version of this cake, replace the vanilla whipped cream with mascarpone whipped cream. The mascarpone will help the whipped cream stay firmer and not weep. The flavor of the mascarpone is slightly less sweet, so it pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and tart cherries. The mascarpone will also help the frosting to hold up better as it sets.
This recipe is also traditionally made with kirschwasser, which is a type of clear cherry brandy. However, since this is an alcohol-free cake, you can omit it from the recipe or substitute a different clear fruit brandy such as brandy or rum.
To make this dessert extra special, you can drizzle a generous amount of chocolate ganache around the edge of the cake and cover the entire top with more ganache. This will give the cake a more luxurious appearance and is a great way to showcase your skills as a baker.
This is the most popular version of this cake. It is light, airy, and incredibly delicious. It’s almost impossible to stop eating this cake! This is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves chocolate cakes. It is the perfect combination of flavors and textures – the fluffy, chocolate mousse frosting pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart whipped cherry filling and chocolate shavings. The result is a beautiful, impressive dessert that is sure to impress your guests.