Indulge in a slice of paradise with our Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake. This decadent dessert is a harmonious blend of rich chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and velvety dark chocolate ganache. Adorned with fresh cherries, it’s a perfect centerpiece for any celebration or special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a gathering, this cake is sure to impress and delight your guests.
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup boiling water
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup cherry pie filling
1 cup heavy cream (optional)
2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
1 cup dark chocolate ganache
Fresh cherries for garnish
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir the mixture until well combined.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Add 2 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Incorporate Boiling Water:
Stir in 1 cup boiling water until the batter is evenly mixed. The batter will be thin, but this will give the cake a moist texture.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add Cherry Filling:
Once the cake is completely cool, spread 1 cup of cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
Prepare the Whipped Cream (Optional):
For an extra touch of luxury, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake.
Add Chocolate Ganache:
Drizzle 1 cup of dark chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for an elegant finish.
Garnish and Serve:
Top the cake with fresh cherries for a beautiful and delicious garnish. Serve and enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Serving Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cake at room temperature. If it has been refrigerated, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
Portioning: Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the cake into even slices. This will help you achieve clean cuts and prevent the cake from crumbling.
Garnishing: Garnish each slice with an extra cherry or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an added touch of elegance. A dollop of whipped cream can also enhance the presentation and flavor.
Accompaniments: Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store the cake in the refrigerator if you have leftovers. The whipped cream topping will keep best when refrigerated. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.
Freezing: If you need to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serving After Freezing: Once thawed, let the cake come to room temperature before serving. If the cake has lost some of its original texture or moisture, you can refresh it by adding a bit more ganache or whipped cream on top.
Storing Unfrosted Cake: If you have leftover unfrosted cake layers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted layers as described above.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cherry filling for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a different type of cherry filling if you prefer. While the recipe calls for cherry pie filling, you could substitute it with homemade cherry compote, cherry preserves, or even another type of fruit filling if you like. Just make sure the filling is thick enough to spread on the cake without making it too soggy.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake can be made ahead of time. You can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it covered at room temperature. If you plan to store it for longer, consider freezing it as described in the storage tips. Add the cherry filling, whipped cream, and ganache just before serving to ensure the cake stays fresh and visually appealing.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or guar gum, as these help to mimic the texture of gluten. Follow the rest of the recipe as written, and the result should be a delicious gluten-free version of this cake.
Can I use milk substitutes in this recipe?
Yes, you can use milk substitutes if needed. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be used in place of whole milk. Just ensure that the milk substitute is unsweetened and unflavored to maintain the flavor profile of the cake. For the best results, use a milk substitute with a similar fat content to whole milk.
Conclusion:
Our Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake combines the richness of chocolate with the fruity sweetness of cherries, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply indulging, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every luscious bite of this stunning dessert!
📖 Recipe:
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Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a slice of Luscious Black Forest Cherry Cake, a decadent dessert featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and rich dark chocolate ganache. This cake is topped with fresh cherries for an elegant finish, making it the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or celebration.
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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in boiling water until well combined. The batter will be thin.
- 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.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Spread cherry pie filling over the top of the cooled cake.
- (Optional) Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form and spread over the cake.
- Drizzle dark chocolate ganache over the cake and garnish with fresh cherries.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache.
The cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer; add the topping just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
