Description

Celebrate the holidays with this festive Black Forest Cake! This classic German dessert is transformed into a Christmas centerpiece with layers of rich chocolate cake, tart cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream frosting. Topped with chocolate shavings, festive decorations, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is the ultimate showstopper for your holiday dessert table. Each bite is a decadent celebration of flavors and textures that’s perfect for the season

Ingredients

• For the Chocolate Cake:
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 🧁
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda 🧂
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar 🍬
• 2 large eggs 🥚
• 1 cup buttermilk 🥛
• ½ cup vegetable oil 🛢️
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🌿
• 1 cup boiling water 💧
• For the Cherry Filling:
• 2 cups cherry pie filling or jarred cherries in syrup 🍒
• 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur (optional) 🍸
• For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
• 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (chilled) 🧁
• ½ cup powdered sugar 🍬
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
• For Decoration:
• Chocolate shavings or curls 🍫
• Festive chocolate trees (molded or piped with melted chocolate) 🎄
• Red fondant or edible ornaments 🎅
• Cinnamon sticks 🌰
• Fresh cherries or cranberries 🍒
• Powdered sugar for dusting 🍩

Preparation Method

Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing until the batter becomes thin and silky.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Cherry Filling:

In a saucepan, combine the cherry pie filling (or jarred cherries) with the cherry liqueur (if using). Heat over medium heat until warmed through, then set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Whipped Cream Frosting:

Chill a mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to ensure your whipped cream stays fluffy.
In the chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cake:

If needed, level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife to ensure even layers.
Place one layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cherry filling over the top, followed by a generous layer of whipped cream frosting.
Add the second cake layer on top and repeat with more cherry filling and whipped cream.
Decorate the Cake:

Cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream frosting, smoothing it with a spatula.
Sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls over the top of the cake. Add festive decorations like chocolate trees, edible ornaments, cinnamon sticks, and fresh cherries or cranberries for a holiday touch.
Dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect

Tips and Conclusion

Tip:

For added flavor, brush the cake layers with cherry liqueur or syrup before assembling. This will enhance the cherry flavor and keep the cake extra moist.

Conclusion:

This Black Forest Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a festive masterpiece that’s as stunning as it is delicious. With its rich chocolate, vibrant cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s the perfect way to end a holiday feast. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for the ultimate holiday treat. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of this Christmas delight! 🎄🍫🍰