Desserts

Black forest cake

⏱ 60 min🍳 30 min👤 8 pp★★★☆☆

The black forest cake is a German chocolate layered sponge cake garnished with maraschino, cherries and whipped cream. This delicious and indulgent cake is popular everywhere outside of Germany. Its tempting colours - black, white and red - and its delicious appearance will make an impact on any guest.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
7g
Carbohydrates
62g
Fat
28g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Total time
30 minutes Active time
Serves 8 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Separate egg yolks and egg whites. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Beat the egg yolks with 4 tablespoons of warm water. Add flour and baking powder previously sieved, and work well with a wooden spoon. Add the cocoa powder too. Then, add the egg whites gently not to deflate the mixture. Grease a cake tin, then bake for 30 min at 180°C. After baking, let the cake cool down. Cut the cocoa sponge cake into 3 layers. Whip the cream until stiff together with the icing sugar. Brush the layers with some liqueur (cherry or kirsch), then spread over them a thin layer of whipped cream and cherries. Sprinkle with chocolate flakes, then complete the cake by decorating it with more whipped cream and cherries.

Tips
In the Black Forest region, in the south of Germany, this cake is called Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. Freiburg is widely known for the  famous black forest cake and for being the home of cuckoo clocks.
Trivia
When cherries are in season, you can replace the candied ones with the fresh ones.  

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Black Forest Cake with Fresh Sour Cherries

One of the most appreciated variations of the Black Forest Cake is certainly the one with fresh sour cherries. This fruit, with its slightly tart flavor, pairs perfectly with the sweetness of chocolate and cream, creating a balance of flavors that captivates at the first bite. To prepare this version, simply replace the canned sour cherries with fresh sour cherries, which will add a touch of freshness to the dessert. Additionally, you can also use the sour cherries to decorate the surface of the cake, making it even more inviting. This preparation not only enriches the taste but also makes the dessert visually appealing, perfect for special occasions or for a delicious snack.

Black Forest Cake in Layer Cake Version

Another variation of the Black Forest Cake is the preparation in a layer cake version. This technique involves cutting the cake into multiple layers, alternating layers of chocolate sponge cake with whipped cream and sour cherries. The layer cake not only presents a spectacular appearance but also allows for a more harmonious balance of flavors. Each bite will be a journey through dark chocolate, the sweetness of cream, and the acidity of sour cherries. For an optimal result, it is advisable to leave the cake in the fridge for a few hours before serving, so that the flavors blend perfectly. This variant is ideal for parties and celebrations, where the dessert becomes the true star of the table.

Light Black Forest Cake without Sugar

For those seeking a lighter version of the Black Forest Cake, it is possible to prepare it without sugar, using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. In this variant, one can also opt for a low-calorie plant-based cream, thus keeping the dessert light and healthier. The preparation remains similar, with attention to not compromising the consistency and taste of the original dessert. Even unsweetened cocoa can be chosen carefully, opting for sugar-free variants to maintain a better nutritional profile. This light Black Forest Cake is perfect for those who want to indulge in a dessert without feeling guilty, while still enjoying the goodness and indulgence of the traditional cake.

Benefits of Dark Chocolate in Black Forest Cake

Dark chocolate, the main ingredient in the Black Forest Cake, offers numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it helps combat oxidative stress, improving heart health and promoting blood circulation. Additionally, dark chocolate contains flavonoids that can contribute to improved cognitive functions. A serving of Black Forest Cake can contain about 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is important to balance the consumption of desserts with a healthy and balanced diet, but enjoying a piece of Black Forest Cake can be a delicious way to treat oneself to a moment of sweetness without overdoing it.

Can Black Forest Cake be Frozen?

The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze the Black Forest Cake. To do this, it is advisable to first cool the cake completely, then carefully wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This way, freshness and flavor are preserved. When you wish to consume it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours, avoiding exposure to high temperatures that could compromise the consistency of the cream. Freezing the Black Forest Cake is an excellent solution for preparing desserts in advance for special occasions or simply to have a sweet treat available at any time.