Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake is a delightful blend of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and creamy frosting. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it combines moist cocoa layers with a fruity cherry topping and decadent ganache. It’s a showstopper for any celebration or cozy dessert craving.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
- 1 cup dark chocolate ganache
- Fresh cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes to create a smooth batter.
- Step 4: Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is fully combined; it will be thin, which is normal.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: Once cooled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cake.
- Step 8: For the optional whipped cream, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar in a bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread this over the cake’s top and sides.
- Step 9: Drizzle the dark chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
- Step 10: Garnish with fresh cherries to finish your beautiful Black Forest Cherry Cake.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moistness, replace the boiling water with hot coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Use cherry preserves instead of pie filling for a thicker, less watery topping.
- Try adding a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy) to the cherry filling for an authentic Black Forest twist.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cherries and whipped cream fresh. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the cake’s texture.
Is it necessary to use boiling water in the batter?
Yes, the boiling water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and making the cake incredibly moist and tender.
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Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake is a decadent chocolate treat featuring a moist cocoa cake layered with sweet cherry pie filling, finished with rich dark chocolate ganache and fresh cherries. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to indulge your chocolate and cherry cravings.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Filling & Topping
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
- 1 cup dark chocolate ganache
- Fresh cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to blend evenly.
- Add wet ingredients: Add eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use a mixer on medium speed to blend everything together for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate boiling water: Carefully stir in the boiling water until fully combined. Note that the batter will be thin; this is normal and ensures a moist cake.
- Pour and bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add cherry filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cooled cake.
- Optional whipped cream topping: If using, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar in a bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the cherry layer and around the sides of the cake.
- Decorate with ganache and cherries: Drizzle the dark chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Garnish with fresh cherries for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and cream alternatives.
- Ensure the boiling water is added carefully to avoid splashing; it helps activate the cocoa flavor and keeps the cake moist.
- If you do not want to use whipped cream, the cake is delicious with just cherry filling and ganache.
- Fresh cherries can be replaced with maraschino cherries or additional cherry pie filling for garnish.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding toppings to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Black Forest Cake, Chocolate Cherry Cake, Moist Chocolate Cake, Cherry Pie Filling Cake, Dark Chocolate Ganache Cake
