Black Forest Cake

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Black Forest Cake originating from Germany, delights with its rich chocolate layers, tart cherries, and luxurious whipped cream.

Exploring the Delightful Indulgence: Black Forest Cake


When it comes to indulgent desserts, few can rival the rich and luscious Black Forest Cake. Originating from Germany, this classic treat has won the hearts of dessert enthusiasts worldwide with its delectable combination of chocolate, cherries, and cream. In this article, we'll delve into the origins of Black Forest Cake, its ingredients, the key differences it holds compared to regular chocolate cake, and even uncover some surprising health benefits. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth as we unravel the secrets of this beloved dessert.

Which country is Black Forest cake from?


Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in German, hails from the picturesque region of the Black Forest in southwestern Germany. This area is renowned for its dense forests, charming villages, and, of course, the delightful confectionary that carries its name. Originating in the early 20th century, Black Forest Cake quickly gained popularity throughout Germany and eventually spread its sweet influence across the globe.

The Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors


At the heart of Black Forest Cake lies a harmonious combination of ingredients that create a flavor explosion in every bite. Here are the key components:

  • Chocolate Layers: The cake base consists of moist chocolate layers, often made with rich cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate. These layers provide a deep, indulgent chocolate flavor that forms the foundation of the cake.
  • Cherries: Black Forest Cake is renowned for its inclusion of juicy, tart cherries. These cherries, often soaked in Kirsch, a cherry brandy, add a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the chocolate layers.
  • Whipped Cream: To add a light and creamy element, Black Forest Cake is generously adorned with billowy layers of whipped cream. The creaminess not only enhances the overall texture but also balances the flavors of chocolate and cherries.
  • Optional Extras: Some variations of Black Forest Cake may feature additional embellishments like chocolate shavings, cherry liqueur, or even more cherries on top. These extras further enhance the cake's visual appeal and taste.

Distinguishing Black Forest Cake from Chocolate Cake


While Black Forest Cake and chocolate cake share a common love for chocolate, they do possess distinct characteristics that set them apart:

  • Cherries: The prominent inclusion of cherries is what truly distinguishes Black Forest Cake. This fruity component adds a unique tang and sweetness that chocolate cake lacks.
  • Whipped Cream: Unlike regular chocolate cake, Black Forest Cake is lavishly covered in whipped cream. This additional layer of creaminess elevates the cake's texture and provides a delightful contrast to the chocolate and cherries.
  • Alcohol Infusion: In traditional Black Forest Cake recipes, cherries are soaked in cherry brandy, known as Kirsch. This infusion adds a subtle boozy note to the cake, enhancing its complexity. Chocolate cake typically lacks this alcoholic twist.

Unveiling Surprising Health Benefits


While Black Forest Cake is undeniably a decadent treat, it does offer a few unexpected health benefits:

  1. Cherries: The inclusion of cherries in Black Forest Cake provides a good dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Cherries are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits for heart health.
  2. Dark Chocolate: The presence of dark chocolate in the cake brings forth its own health perks. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and may contribute to improved heart health and brain function when consumed in moderation.
Black Forest Cake
Yields12 Servings
Main Ingredients
 5 Eggs
 150 g Sugar
 130 g Flour
 30 g Cacao Powder
 1 tsp Baking Powder
 1 tsp Vanilla Sugar
  tsp Salt
For Filling:
 670 g Pitted Cherries in Syrup (or 500g frozen pitted cherries +100g sugar)
 40 g Sugar
 20 g Cornflour (2tbsp)
  cup Syrup from cherries
For Cream:
 700 g Cream for Whipping (more then 33%)
 100 g Sugar Powdered
 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
For Decorations:
 50 g Chocolate
 50 g Glace Cherries
1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom round cake pan 9-inch(20cm) with baking paper. Don't grease the sides of the pan. The batter will stick to the sides of the pan and raise nicely.

2

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder. Mix well.

3

Pour all the eggs into the mixer bowl with sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar. Beat at high speed until thick and fluffy, or until tripled in volume and pale in colour. Don't shortcut this step, this is what makes the cake rise. It's takes for 5-7 minutes, depends on power of mixer.

4

Sift the flour into the egg mixture in two portions, and gently fold it in using a spatula from bottom to top.
Once all the lumps are gone, add the second portion of flour. Mix until smooth.

5

Carefully pour the batter into the form.

6

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

7

Remove the cake from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake base to a wire rack to cool completely.

8

Then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and put them in the refrigerator for several hours, or overnight.

9

Once the cake is completely cooled, use a long serrated knife to slice the cake horizontally into thee even layers, creating a total of thee layers.

10

Let's make a filling:
Drain jar of pitted cherries in syrup. Or use frozen one.

11

In a medium-sized saucepan, set the heat to medium-low.
Combine the sugar and an additional 1/3 cup of the reserved juice in the pot. Allow it to gently simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in the cornflour slurry and continue simmering. Cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a thin syrup-like consistency.

12

Remove from the heat, and pour on top of drained cherries, stir, let it cool down completely.
Alcohol Infusion: You can add 2-3 tsp alcohol (some cherry brandy, known as Kirsch) or cherry liquor, this adds a subtle boozy note to the cake. Or skip this part.

13

Making the cream:
In a separate mixing bowl, whip a cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

14

Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
Optional: if you like a moist cake texture, soak each layer with the syrup using a spoon or a brush.

15

Leave 1/3 of whipped cream to decorate on top and the round the sides of the cake.

16

Then spread an equal amount of cream on each cake layer, and repeat for all layers. Between 2 middle layers spread evenly soaked pitted cherries.
Continue the process until all cherries finished. On top of cherries spread with thin layer of cream.

17

Frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped cream, creating a smooth and even layer.

18

With the decoration piping bags, create an ornament, garnish the top of the cake with glace cherries.

19

Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkling them on top and around the sides.

20

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavours to meld together and the whipped cream to set.

21

Cake will impress your family and friends.
Happy baking!

Conclusion

Black Forest Cake stands as a testament to the art of combining flavors and textures to create an extraordinary dessert experience. Originating from Germany, this cake delights with its rich chocolate layers, tart cherries, and luxurious whipped cream. While it shares a love for chocolate with regular chocolate cake, the distinctive inclusion of cherries and the lavish layer of whipped cream set Black Forest Cake apart. Moreover, the health benefits derived from the antioxidants in cherries and dark chocolate add an unexpected element of positivity to this indulgent treat. So, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet cravings, Black Forest Cake offers a slice of pure bliss that is sure to leave you craving for more. Indulge in the allure of the Black Forest and let this iconic dessert transport you to a realm of pure culinary delight.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients
 5 Eggs
 150 g Sugar
 130 g Flour
 30 g Cacao Powder
 1 tsp Baking Powder
 1 tsp Vanilla Sugar
  tsp Salt
For Filling:
 670 g Pitted Cherries in Syrup (or 500g frozen pitted cherries +100g sugar)
 40 g Sugar
 20 g Cornflour (2tbsp)
  cup Syrup from cherries
For Cream:
 700 g Cream for Whipping (more then 33%)
 100 g Sugar Powdered
 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
For Decorations:
 50 g Chocolate
 50 g Glace Cherries

Directions

1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom round cake pan 9-inch(20cm) with baking paper. Don't grease the sides of the pan. The batter will stick to the sides of the pan and raise nicely.

2

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder. Mix well.

3

Pour all the eggs into the mixer bowl with sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar. Beat at high speed until thick and fluffy, or until tripled in volume and pale in colour. Don't shortcut this step, this is what makes the cake rise. It's takes for 5-7 minutes, depends on power of mixer.

4

Sift the flour into the egg mixture in two portions, and gently fold it in using a spatula from bottom to top.
Once all the lumps are gone, add the second portion of flour. Mix until smooth.

5

Carefully pour the batter into the form.

6

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

7

Remove the cake from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake base to a wire rack to cool completely.

8

Then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and put them in the refrigerator for several hours, or overnight.

9

Once the cake is completely cooled, use a long serrated knife to slice the cake horizontally into thee even layers, creating a total of thee layers.

10

Let's make a filling:
Drain jar of pitted cherries in syrup. Or use frozen one.

11

In a medium-sized saucepan, set the heat to medium-low.
Combine the sugar and an additional 1/3 cup of the reserved juice in the pot. Allow it to gently simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in the cornflour slurry and continue simmering. Cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a thin syrup-like consistency.

12

Remove from the heat, and pour on top of drained cherries, stir, let it cool down completely.
Alcohol Infusion: You can add 2-3 tsp alcohol (some cherry brandy, known as Kirsch) or cherry liquor, this adds a subtle boozy note to the cake. Or skip this part.

13

Making the cream:
In a separate mixing bowl, whip a cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

14

Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
Optional: if you like a moist cake texture, soak each layer with the syrup using a spoon or a brush.

15

Leave 1/3 of whipped cream to decorate on top and the round the sides of the cake.

16

Then spread an equal amount of cream on each cake layer, and repeat for all layers. Between 2 middle layers spread evenly soaked pitted cherries.
Continue the process until all cherries finished. On top of cherries spread with thin layer of cream.

17

Frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped cream, creating a smooth and even layer.

18

With the decoration piping bags, create an ornament, garnish the top of the cake with glace cherries.

19

Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkling them on top and around the sides.

20

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavours to meld together and the whipped cream to set.

21

Cake will impress your family and friends.
Happy baking!

Notes

Black Forest Cake

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Nutrition Facts

12 servings

Serving size


Amount per serving
Calories431
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21.5g28%
Sodium 117mg6%
Total Carbohydrate 55.6g21%
Dietary Fiber 2.32g9%
Total Sugars 39.8g
Protein 6.01g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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