Christmas Black Forest Cake: 7 Reasons to Indulge Recipe

Introduction

Celebrate the holidays with a classic Christmas Black Forest Cake, a rich and indulgent dessert featuring moist chocolate layers, tart cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. This festive cake is perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing a touch of elegance to any celebration.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 jar (24 oz) sour cherries, drained
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes to create a smooth batter.
4. Step 4: Gently stir in the boiling water until fully combined; the batter will be thin, which helps create a moist cake.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before assembling.
7. Step 7: Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy frosting.
8. Step 8: To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over it, then evenly distribute the drained sour cherries on top.
9. Step 9: Carefully place the second cake layer over the cherries. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chocolate shavings and additional cherries to enhance the festive look and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra rich flavor, replace the milk with buttermilk or add a splash of cherry liqueur to the whipped cream.
• Use fresh or frozen cherries if sour cherries are unavailable, but be sure to adjust sweetness accordingly.
• Chill the cake after assembling for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and the whipped cream set.

Storage

Store the assembled cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the whipped cream fresh, avoid freezing the cake. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften the cream slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. Assemble and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and freshness.

What can I use instead of sour cherries?

If sour cherries are unavailable, fresh or frozen tart cherries work well. You can also substitute with another berry like raspberries or blueberries, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different from the traditional Black Forest taste.

Christmas Black Forest Cake: 7 Reasons to Indulge Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 104 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Christmas Black Forest Cake combines rich chocolate layers with a luscious cherry filling and whipped cream frosting, making it the perfect indulgent dessert for holiday celebrations. Featuring moist cocoa cake, tart sour cherries, and velvety whipped cream, this cake is both festive and delicious.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Filling and Frosting

• 1 jar (24 oz) sour cherries, drained
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake layers.
2. Prepare Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and well blended.
5. Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined; this step makes the cake moist and rich.
6. Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
7. Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Cakes: After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form, creating a light and fluffy frosting.
10. Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread sour cherries evenly over the surface. Then spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the cherries.
11. Add Second Layer and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, covering the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream.
12. Garnish: Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings and additional cherries for an elegant finish.

Notes

• For best results, chill the heavy cream bowl and beaters before whipping.
• Make sure to drain the sour cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
• Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
• This cake can be assembled a day ahead; refrigerate covered to let flavors meld.
• Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melted cream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Keywords: Black Forest Cake, Christmas cake, chocolate cake, sour cherry cake, holiday dessert, whipped cream cake, chocolate shavings