Here’s a recipe for a rich and decadent Chocolate Forest Cake, which is a twist on the classic Black Forest Cake:
Chocolate Forest Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon kirsch (cherry brandy, optional)
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Fresh cherries
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Cherry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften (about 10 minutes).
- If using, stir in the kirsch. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using.
5. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the top.
- Spoon the cherry filling over the whipped cream, spreading it evenly.
- Place the second cake layer on top.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings or curls and fresh cherries.
6. Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Slice and enjoy this decadent chocolate treat!
This cake is perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something truly indulgent!
