Description
This Chocolate Forest Layer Cake is a Black Forest-inspired dessert featuring moist chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream—without any alcohol. A show-stopping, family-friendly treat perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration that calls for a rich and elegant chocolate cherry cake.
Ingredients
- For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee
- For the Filling & Topping:
- 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh, canned in juice, or cherry pie filling)
- 2–4 tbsp granulated sugar (if using fresh or canned cherries)
- 2 cups heavy cream or whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)
- Extra cherries for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
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Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
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In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Gradually add dry ingredients, then stir in hot water or coffee until batter is smooth.
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Divide batter between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
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If using fresh or canned cherries, simmer them with sugar over low heat until syrupy. Let cool.
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Whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
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Slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create four thin layers.
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Layer cake with whipped cream and cherry mixture, stacking evenly.
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Frost top and sides with remaining whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings and extra cherries.
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Chill before serving for best presentation and stability.
Notes
- Cherry jam works as a quick substitute for whole cherries.
- Reduce sugar in whipped cream for a lighter version.
- Add mascarpone to whipped cream for extra richness.
- Make mini versions in cupcake tins for individual servings.
- Chill layers before stacking to avoid sliding.
