German Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)

The Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, also known as the German Black Forest Cake, is a classic dessert from the Northern European cuisine. This decadent cake is made with layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries, and it's often finished with chocolate shavings and a splash of cherry brandy.

Vegetarian Dessert Northern European German Cake Chocolate Cherries Whipped Cream
German Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cherry brandy (Kirschwasser)
  • 1 can (14 oz) pitted cherries, drained
  • 1/2 cup chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and pale.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture.
  4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in the cherry brandy.
  7. To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the whipped cream over the cake and top with half of the cherries. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the layers of cream and cherries.
  8. Decorate the top of the cake with the chocolate shavings. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
30 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
5g
Fat
18g

Supplies

2 9-inch round cake pans Wire rack

Tools

Mixer Spatula Sifter

Serving suggestions

Serve the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh cherry on top.

Tips & tricks

For an extra kick, soak the cherries in cherry brandy for a few hours before using them in the cake.

Cost

$15