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Easy black forest cake recipe with cherry pie filling

Black Forest Cake

A classic German cake with layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream, and cherries. Rich, decadent, and perfect for celebrations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine German
Servings 10

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 18gFiber: 4gSugar: 25g

Ingredients
  

For the cake

  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour with xanthan gum)
  • ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup (180ml) milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup (120ml) hot coffee

For the cherry filling

  • 1 ½ cups (350g) cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries with 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp cornstarch)
  • 2 tbsp cherry brandy

For the whipped cream frosting

  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For garnish

  • Chocolate shavings or curls
  • Fresh cherries

Instructions
 

Make the Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Stir in milk and apple cider vinegar.
  • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
  • Add hot coffee and mix until just combined.
  • Divide batter evenly into the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let cakes cool completely before assembling.

Prepare the Cherry Filling

  • If using fresh cherries, heat them with sugar and cornstarch until thickened. Cool before using.
  • If using cherry pie filling, simply mix with cherry brandy

Make the Whipped Cream

  • Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled.

Assemble the Cake

  • Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream, then add the cherry filling.
  • Place the second cake layer on top and cover with whipped cream.
  • Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
Keyword baking recipes, gluten-free recipe, homemade cake, homemade dessert
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