What Makes This Christmas Black Forest Cake Special

Christmas is a time for sweet treats, and what better dessert to celebrate than a classic Black Forest cake? This decadent dessert is layered with rich chocolate, luscious cherries, and fluffy cream, creating a delightful harmony of flavors in every bite. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also brings a festive cheer to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, this cake will surely impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Enjoy Making This Delightful Dessert

Baking is a rewarding experience, especially during the holiday season. This Christmas Black Forest Cake allows you to channel your inner baker with its simple yet satisfying steps. The aroma of chocolate wafting through your kitchen will make your home feel warm and welcoming. Plus, the festive look of this cake, complete with cherry decorations and chocolate curls, will bring smiles to all who see and taste it.

Whip Up Your Own Christmas Black Forest Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (125 g) flour
• 1/2 cup (60 g) cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
• 2 cups (300 g) dark cherries (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 2 tablespoons kirsch or cherry juice
• 2 cups (480 ml) cold cream
• 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Bitter chocolate curls for decoration
• Sugar-coated cherries, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds for decoration
• Small rosemary or mint leaves for decoration
• Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light in color. Add in the vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and espresso powder, mixing well. Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture gently with a spatula. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. After baking, let them cool completely.
3. For the cherry filling, combine the cherries, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a saucepan. Stir in the kirsch or cherry juice and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
4. To make the whipped cream, whip the cold cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until soft-medium peaks form.
5. Once the cakes are cool, cut each in half to create four layers. Place the first layer on a serving plate, drizzle with cherry syrup, add a layer of cherry filling, and pipe whipped cream on top. Repeat with each layer, finishing with whipped cream on the top and sides.
6. For decoration, sprinkle chocolate curls on top, add candied cherries, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds, and garnish with rosemary or mint leaves. Dust with powdered sugar to finish.

Serving Up the Perfect Slice

This Christmas Black Forest Cake is perfect for festive gatherings. Slice it up and serve it on a nice plate with a dollop of extra whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can share it with everyone around the table, making it a wonderful centerpiece for your holiday feast.

Storing Your Delicious Cake

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep it fresh, consider covering it with plastic wrap or foil. Always let it come to room temperature before serving again for the best flavor and texture.

Helpful Tips for a Flawless Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier cake.
2. Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
3. Chill the Whipped Cream: For perfectly whipped cream, make sure your mixing bowl and utensils are cold before whipping.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this cake to your taste! You can swap out the dark cherries for raspberries or strawberries for a different fruit flavor. Additionally, adding a layer of chocolate ganache can make this cake even richer and more indulgent.

Nutritional Information

While the exact nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used, this cake is a delightful treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Ideas for Sharing with Family and Friends

This festive cake is great for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even as a special dessert on Christmas Day. Your loved ones will appreciate the effort, the flavors, and the beauty of this homemade treat.

Perfect Pairings to Enjoy with Your Cake

Pair this cake with a warm cup of coffee or a rich holiday spiced tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can also add a delightful creaminess that complements the rich flavors of the Black Forest cake.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Assemble it on the day of serving for the freshest taste.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes! You can freeze the unassembled layers for up to three months. Just wrap each layer well and place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw them in the fridge before frosting and decorating.

Christmas Black Forest Cake

A classic festive dessert featuring layers of rich chocolate, luscious cherries, and fluffy cream, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Cake, Dessert

Cuisine German, Holiday

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cake Batter

• 1 cup flour All-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional) Enhances chocolate flavor

Cherry Filling

• 2 cups dark cherries (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 2 tablespoons kirsch or cherry juice

Whipped Cream

• 2 cups cold cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Decorations

• to taste Bitter chocolate curls For decoration
• to taste Sugar-coated cherries, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds For decoration
• to taste Small rosemary or mint leaves For decoration
• to taste Powdered sugar For sprinkling

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light in color. Add in the vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and espresso powder, mixing well.
• Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture gently with a spatula.
• Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. After baking, let them cool completely.

Cherry Filling

• Combine the cherries, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a saucepan.
• Stir in the kirsch or cherry juice and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Whipped Cream

• Whip the cold cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until soft-medium peaks form.

Assembly

• Once the cakes are cool, cut each in half to create four layers.
• Place the first layer on a serving plate, drizzle with cherry syrup, add a layer of cherry filling, and pipe whipped cream on top.
• Repeat with each layer, finishing with whipped cream on the top and sides.
• For decoration, sprinkle chocolate curls on top, added candied cherries, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds, and garnish with rosemary or mint leaves. Dust with powdered sugar to finish.

Notes

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier cake. Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense. Chill the Whipped Cream: For perfectly whipped cream, make sure your mixing bowl and utensils are cold before whipping. Variations: You can swap out the dark cherries for raspberries or strawberries for a different fruit flavor, and adding a layer of chocolate ganache can enrich the cake.

Keyword Black Forest Cake, Chocolate Cake, Christmas Cake, Festive Dessert, Layer Cake