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–+ servings

Black Forest Dessert

Rich, indulgent, and irresistibly elegant, this Black Forest dessert features layers of moist chocolate cake soaked in cherry syrup, real whipped cream, and dark cherries. A showstopper for celebrations or cozy evenings, this German-inspired classic balances decadence with lightness and nostalgic charm.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine German
Servings 10 servings
Calories 365 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 3 cups pitted sweet cherries fresh or jarred
  • 2 tablespoons cherry juice or kirsch
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour the cake pan.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined.
  • Slowly pour in the hot water while stirring. The batter will be thin.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator.
  • If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them. If using jarred cherries, drain and reserve 2 tablespoons of juice or use kirsch instead.
  • Once the cake is cool, cut it into cubes or slices depending on your serving style.
  • To assemble the dessert, place a layer of cake at the bottom of your serving dish. Drizzle with cherry juice or kirsch. Add a layer of cherries followed by whipped cream. Repeat layers, ending with whipped cream on top.
  • Garnish with chocolate shavings and a few whole cherries.
  • Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 5gFat: 21gSodium: 160mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26g
Keyword black forest cake, chocolate cherry dessert, layered trifle, whipped cream, German, dessert
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