Decadent Black Forest Cake Recipe with Layers of Moist Chocolate Cake, Whipped Cream, and Cherries

This irresistible Black Forest Cake is a timeless dessert that brings together layers of moist chocolate cake, luscious whipped cream, and sweet cherries. With a hint of cherry liqueur and a garnish of dark chocolate shavings, this cake is a showstopper at any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is the perfect way to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this indulgent creation!

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 buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 jar (24 oz) maraschino cherries, drained and reserve 1/2 cup juice
• 1/4 cup cherry liqueur
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dark chocolate shavings, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that's normal.
4. Divide the batter equally among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. 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.
6. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set the whipped cream aside.
7. Once the cakes are completely cooled, drain the maraschino cherries, reserving 1/2 cup of the juice. Cut each cake layer in half horizontally to create a total of six layers.
8. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of cherry liqueur and 2 tablespoons of cherry juice over the cake layer. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream over the top. Arrange a layer of cherries on top of the cream.
9. Repeat the previous step with the remaining cake layers, liqueur, cherry juice, whipped cream, and cherries, stacking them on top of each other.
10. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Use a spatula to create decorative swirls on the surface.
11. Garnish the cake with dark chocolate shavings, and place a few cherries on top for an extra touch of elegance.
12. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
13. Slice and serve this delectable Black Forest Cake to your delighted guests!

Interesting Facts