Name: Black Forest Decadent Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: PT-490157H28M43S
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water); 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream); 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or 2 cups pitted sweet cherries; 2 oz dark chocolate, shaved, for garnish

Description

This Black Forest Decadent Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy cherries. Finished with dark chocolate shavings, it’s a timeless showstopper perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or 2 cups pitted sweet cherries
2 oz dark chocolate, shaved, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
Slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until fully combined. The batter will be thin.
Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
To assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the top and spoon half of the cherry filling on top.
Place the second cake layer on top, then spread with more whipped cream and top with remaining cherries.
Garnish with chocolate shavings and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

For a traditional version, brush each cake layer with Kirsch (cherry liqueur) before assembling.
Use fresh cherries when in season for best flavor.
Ensure cakes are completely cool before adding whipped cream to prevent melting.
Can be made a day ahead — refrigerate and add chocolate shavings just before serving.

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: German