Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte Recipe: A Delicious German Classic

Biobaeckerei – Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, also known as Black Forest Cake, is a delicious and iconic German dessert that combines rich layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries. This indulgent treat is famous for its stunning appearance and delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. The cake’s name, “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte,” translates to “Black Forest Cherry Cake,” referring to the Black Forest region in Germany, where this cake originated. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create this classic dessert in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte

To make a traditional Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the chocolate sponge cake:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the filling and topping:
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 jar (around 400g) of morello cherries or sour cherries (drained)
  • 2 tbsp Kirsch (cherry schnapps)
  • Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Cake

Follow these simple steps to make your own Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte at home:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan (9 inches). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Whip the Cream
While the cake is cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Keep the whipped cream in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the cake.

3. Prepare the Cherries
Drain the cherries and reserve some of the juice for soaking the cake layers. If you are using jarred cherries, make sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid. Mix the reserved juice with the Kirsch (cherry schnapps) in a small bowl.

4. Assemble the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte
Once the cake has cooled, slice it into two or three even layers. Soak each layer with a bit of the cherry juice mixture. Place the first layer of cake on a cake plate and spread a generous amount of whipped cream on top. Add a layer of cherries and repeat with the next cake layers, whipped cream, and cherries. After stacking all the layers, cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream.

5. Decorate the Cake
Finish your Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte by decorating it with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate on the sides. Top the cake with a few more cherries for an added burst of color. Chill the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for the Perfect Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte

To ensure your Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte turns out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Chill the whipped cream bowl and beaters for best results.
• Don’t skip the Kirsch; it adds an authentic flavor to the cake and enhances the cherry taste.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
• For an extra touch, you can add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for more richness.

Enjoy Your Homemade Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy whipped cream, and tart cherries, making it a favorite for any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a special treat, this German classic will surely impress your guests. With this simple recipe, you can recreate this delicious cake at home and enjoy a slice of tradition. Bon appétit!