How to make Black Forest cake at home?

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Baking a beautiful Black Forest cake at home is a rewarding experience, combining rich chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. Here's how you can do it:

Ingredients:

  • For the cake:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
    • 3/4 teaspoon salt
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • For the cherry soak:
    • 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 1/4 cup kirschwasser (optional cherry liqueur)
  • For the whipped cream:
    • 2 cups heavy cream
    • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the decoration:
    • Additional fresh cherries
    • Chocolate shavings

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. Make the cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in sugar until fully incorporated.
  3. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on wire racks.
  4. Make the cherry soak: While the cakes cool, simmer the cherries, sugar, water, and kirschwasser (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until thickened. Let cool slightly.
  5. Make the whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, whisk together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  6. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Brush with some of the cherry soak. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top. Arrange some fresh cherries and sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Repeat with the second cake layer, finishing with whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings.
  7. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set.

Tips:

  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
  • If you don't have kirschwasser, you can use rum or cherry juice instead.
  • You can substitute canned sweetened cherries for fresh cherries, but be sure to drain them well and avoid using the cherry juice in the soak.
  • To make the cake even more decadent, drizzle the final layer of whipped cream with some melted chocolate.
  • Get creative with your decorations! You can add chocolate curls, piped patterns, or even edible flowers.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Black Forest cake!

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