German Black Forest Cake Recipe (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)

🍰 Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake)

⏱ Time

• Prep: 40 minutes

• Bake: 30–35 minutes

• Chill & assemble: 2–3 hours

• Serves: 10–12

🧾 Ingredients

Chocolate Sponge Cake

• 6 large eggs, room temperature

• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup (40 g) cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• Pinch of salt

Cherry Filling

• 2 cups pitted sour cherries (fresh or jarred)

• ½ cup cherry juice (from jar or bottled)

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons water

Traditional note: Kirsch (cherry brandy) is usually used, but this recipe replaces it with cherry juice to keep it alcohol-free.

Whipped Cream Frosting

• 3 cups heavy whipping cream, cold

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration

• Chocolate shavings or curls

• Whole cherries (fresh or jarred)

🥣 Instructions

1. Bake the Chocolate Sponge

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Line the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) round pan with parchment.

3. Beat eggs and sugar on high speed for 5–7 minutes until thick and pale.

4. Gently mix in vanilla.

5. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together.

6. Carefully fold dry ingredients into egg mixture (do not overmix).

7. Pour into pan and bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool completely, then slice into 3 horizontal layers.

2. Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine cherries, cherry juice, and sugar.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Mix cornstarch with water, add to cherries, and stir until thickened.

4. Let cool completely before assembling.

3. Make the Whipped Cream

1. Beat cold cream until soft peaks form.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.

3. Beat until stiff but smooth peaks form.

4. Keep chilled.

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Place first cake layer on a plate.

2. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream.

3. Spoon cherry filling evenly over it.

4. Add second layer and repeat.

5. Place final cake layer on top.

6. Frost entire cake with whipped cream.

5. Decorate

• Press chocolate shavings onto sides

• Pipe whipped cream rosettes on top

• Garnish with cherries

❄️ Chill & Serve

• Refrigerate at least 1–2 hours before serving

• Best eaten within 48 hours

⭐ Tips

• For extra moist cake, brush layers lightly with cherry juice

• Use cold tools when whipping cream for best results

• A serrated knife gives cleaner slices