Indulge in the rich and luscious flavors of this classic black forest cherry dessert recipe. Layers of moist chocolate cake are soaked in cherry brandy and filled with a creamy chocolate mousse and sweet cherries. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this dessert is a crowd pleaser and perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a luxurious treat. Enjoy the combination of chocolate and cherries in this indulgent dessert that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cherry brandy or cherry liqueur
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cherry juice (reserved from the cherry pie filling)
- 1/4 cup chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the boiling water, the batter will be thin. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes.
- Use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the cakes. Pour cherry brandy or cherry liqueur over each cake layer. Let the cakes cool completely in pans.
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake.
- Top with a layer of whipped cream and sprinkle with half of the chocolate chips. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Spread the remaining cherry pie filling over the top layer. Frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining whipped cream.
- Drizzle the cherry juice over the cake. Sprinkle the chocolate shavings on top for garnish.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Slice and serve this heavenly black forest cherry dessert, and enjoy the decadent combination of flavors!
Interesting Facts
The black forest cherry dessert is named after the Black Forest region in Germany, known for its black cherries and famous Black Forest cake.
Traditionally, the Black Forest cake is made with kirsch, a cherry brandy made from the sour Morello cherries found in the Black Forest region.
The combination of chocolate and cherries is a match made in heaven and has been enjoyed for centuries in various desserts and confections.
Black Forest cake is popular around the world and is often served as a celebratory cake for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.