Classic Black Forest Cake Recipe

Indulge in the rich and moist layers of this classic Black Forest Cake. Made with layers of chocolate sponge cake soaked in cherry liqueur, filled with sweet cherry filling and whipped cream, and topped with chocolate shavings and cherries, this cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cherry liqueur
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cans (20 ounces each) cherry pie filling
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate shavings
• 12 maraschino cherries with stems

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix well to combine.
4. Pour in the boiling water while stirring the batter slowly. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Using a skewer, poke holes into the top of each cake layer. Drizzle cherry liqueur evenly over the cake layers, allowing it to soak in.
9. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cherry pie filling over the cake. Then top it with a layer of whipped cream.
11. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process with the remaining cherry pie filling and whipped cream.
12. Spread the remaining whipped cream around the sides of the cake.
13. Sprinkle the chocolate shavings over the top of the cake and press them lightly onto the sides.
14. Finish by placing maraschino cherries on top of the cake as decoration.
15. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts