Black forest cake

Here's a Black Forest Cake recipe that's rich, chocolaty, and filled with cherries and whipped cream!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups granulated sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

3 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

½ cup vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup hot water or brewed coffee

For the Filling & Topping:

2 cups heavy whipping cream

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 ½ cups cherry pie filling or pitted cherries soaked in syrup

½ cup cherry syrup (from cherry filling or simple syrup)

½ cup chocolate shavings

Instructions

1. Make the Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.

In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until well combined.

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing gently.

Stir in hot water/coffee (the batter will be thin—this is normal).

Divide the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cakes cool completely before assembling.

2. Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a cold mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

3. Assemble the Cake

Slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create 4 layers (optional).

Place one layer on a serving plate and brush with cherry syrup.

Spread a layer of whipped cream and scatter cherries on top.

Repeat with the remaining layers.

Cover the cake with whipped cream and smooth it out.

4. Decorate

Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top and sides.

Pipe whipped cream swirls around the edges and top with cherries.

5. Chill & Serve

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade Black Forest Cake!