Description
Indulge in this decadent Chocolate Forest Cake, a delightful twist on the classic Black Forest Cake. Layers of moist chocolate cake sandwiched with cherry filling and fluffy whipped cream frosting, topped with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chocolate cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee
For the cherry filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or 2 cups pitted sweet cherries with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch (cooked until thickened)
For the whipped cream frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Fresh cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Slowly mix in hot water or coffee until batter is smooth (it will be thin). Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the whipped cream frosting by beating heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Once cakes are cool, slice each layer in half horizontally to create four thin layers. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread with a portion of cherry filling. Add a layer of whipped cream. Repeat with remaining layers, finishing with whipped cream on top and sides.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- For a boozy twist, brush each layer with cherry liqueur or Kirsch before assembling.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
