German Black Forest Cake with Kirsch and Whipped Cream
A Decadent German Dessert with Cream, Cherries and Chocolate
The Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is Germany’s most iconic dessert. It’s a majestic layered cake made with moist chocolate sponge, whipped cream, and Kirsch-infused cherries. Rich, festive and unforgettable — it’s perfect for holidays, birthdays or impressing dinner guests.
⏱️ Recipe Overview
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Servings: 10–12 slices
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Prep Time: 45 min
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Cook Time: 35 min
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Assembly Time: 30 min
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Total Time: ~2 hours
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Difficulty: Intermediate
🛒 Ingredients
For the sponge cake:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cocoa powder
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1 ½ tsp baking powder
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6 eggs
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1 cup sugar
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1/2 cup butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the filling & topping:
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500ml heavy whipping cream
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1 tbsp powdered sugar
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1 jar sour cherries (drained, reserve juice)
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2 tbsp Kirsch (cherry schnapps)
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Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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Bake the sponge:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Fold in sifted flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, melted butter and vanilla. Pour into a greased 9-inch round pan. Bake ~35 min. Cool completely and slice into 2–3 layers. -
Make the cream filling:
Whip cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Keep cold. -
Prepare cherry filling:
Mix cherries with 2 tbsp Kirsch and a few spoons of reserved cherry juice. -
Assemble the cake:
Place one cake layer on a stand. Spoon some cherry juice over it. Spread whipped cream, then cherries. Repeat with next layers. Cover top and sides with remaining cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings and cherries on top.
🎯 Gourmet Tip
For an authentic flavor, don’t skip the Kirschwasser — it’s what gives Black Forest its signature cherry kick!