Classic Black Forest Cake

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Classic Black Forest Cake.

1. Step 1

   Begin by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

2. Step 2

   Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them, ensuring to line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

3. Step 3

   For the frosting, place a medium bowl in the refrigerator to chill.

4. Step 4

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they are harmoniously blended.

5. Step 5

   Next, introduce the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture, beating until the batter is smooth and well combined.

6. Step 6

   Divide this luscious cake batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops for an even bake.

7. Step 7

   Slide the pans into the preheated oven and let them bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.

8. Step 8

   Once baked, allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.

9. Step 9

   Gently run a knife around the edges, then invert the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely, which should take around 1 to 2 hours.

10. Step 10

    While the cakes are cooling, let’s whip up the cherry topping.

11. Step 11

    Drain the cherries, saving 1/2 cup of the juice.

12. Step 12

    In a saucepan, combine the reserved juice, cherries, sugar, and cornstarch.

13. Step 13

    Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens beautifully.

14. Step 14

    Stir in a splash of vanilla extract and let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating until chilled.

15. Step 15

    In the chilled bowl, combine whipping cream and confectioners' sugar, then beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy frosting.

16. Step 16

    Once the cake layers are completely cool, carefully slice each layer in half horizontally, yielding four layers in total.

17. Step 17

    Set aside one layer to crumble for decoration.

18. Step 18

    Gently brush off any loose crumbs from the tops and sides of the remaining layers.

19. Step 19

    Reserve 1 1/2 cups of frosting for piping decorations.

20. Step 20

    To assemble your masterpiece, place one layer on a cake plate, spreading 1 cup of frosting over the top, followed by 3/4 cup of the cherry topping.

21. Step 21

    Repeat this delightful layering with the second cake layer.

22. Step 22

    Once the third layer is in place, frost the sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, then pat the reserved cake crumbs onto the sides for a charming finish.

23. Step 23

    Fill a pastry bag fitted with a star tip with the reserved frosting and pipe decorative swirls around the top and bottom edges of the cake.

24. Step 24

    Finally, spoon the remaining cherry topping over the crown of your creation.

25. Step 25

    Store your beautifully assembled cake in the refrigerator, covered, until it’s time to serve and enjoy this sweet celebration.