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Black Forest cake served
Traditional German chocolate cake with cherries, cream and kirsch

Classic Black Forest gâteau

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Cakes and Desserts
The Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is not just a cake, but a protected German cultural treasure. Its essence lies in contrasts: the bitterness of the cocoa sponge, the acidity of sour cherries (or cherries), the softness of whipped cream, and the fire of cherry brandy (Kirschwasser). This recipe is the home version, simpler but true to the original in taste.
🕒 Prep Time 40 mins
🍳 Cook Time 35 mins
⌛ Total Time 3 hrs 20 mins
🍽️ Servings 10 servings
🔥 Calories 540 kcal
🌍 Cuisine German

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • 22 cm cake tin - The ideal size.
  • Long knife - For cutting the cake layers.
  • Piping bag - For decoration.
  • Palette knife - For smoothing the whipped cream.

Allergen Information

⚠️ Cereals containing gluten
⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Eggs

Instructions

1 ✓

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line the tin with paper. Mix the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.

Tip: Sift the cocoa powder, as small cocoa lumps can be bitter in the sponge.
2 ✓

Beat the eggs with the sugar until very frothy, then mix in the melted butter and milk.

Tip: This is a simplified sponge where fat helps retain moistness.
3 ✓

Fold the dry and wet parts together until lump-free. Bake for approx. 30-35 minutes (skewer test).

Tip: Do not overbake, as cocoa sponges tend to dry out.
4 ✓

Cool completely, then cut horizontally into three layers.

Tip: If the top domed, cut it level (eat the offcut, that's the baker's reward!).
5 ✓

Whip the cream until stiff (you can add a little icing sugar to taste).

Tip: The cream must be very cold.
6 ✓

Drizzle the first layer with brandy/juice, spread with whipped cream, and scatter with fruit. Place the next layer on top and repeat.

Tip: Drizzling keeps the cake moist for days.
7 ✓

Cover the top and sides with whipped cream. Decorate with chocolate shavings and cherries.

Tip: The chocolate shavings symbolise the dense trees of the Black Forest.
8 ✓

Refrigerate for min. 2-3 hours.

Tip: During cooling, the sponge absorbs the aromas.

Recipe FAQ

Can I leave out the alcohol?
Yes, use cherry compote juice instead, with a few drops of almond extract.
Why does the cake fall apart when cutting?
It didn't cool enough. The cream and sponge need to "fuse" in the fridge.
What cream should I use?
Animal-based whipping cream, min. 30%. The taste of vegetable toppings doesn't suit this classic.

Ingredients

  • 200 g Plain flour
  • 150 g Caster sugar
  • 50 g Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 10 g Baking powder
  • 4 pcs Eggs
  • 100 ml Milk
  • 100 g Butter (melted)
  • 400 ml Whipping cream (cold)
  • 50 g Dark chocolate shavings
  • 300 g Sour cherries or cherries (pitted, drained)
  • 50 ml Kirsch (cherry brandy) or compote juice
  • 1 pinch Salt