Easy Black Forest Cake recipe

Method

How it goes together

1. 01

   Step 1

   Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F) standard / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with baking or parchment paper.

2. 02

   Step 2

   In a large mixing bowl, add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and sugars. Briefly whisk or stir using a spatula.

3. 03

   Step 3

   In a separate mixing bowl, add buttermilk, oil, vanilla, eggs and sour cream. Whisk with a fork just to break up the egg yolks.

4. 04

   Step 4

   Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Start stirring, while slowly pouring in the hot water. Continue to mix until all the ingredients are incorporated.

5. 05

   Step 5

   Divide the mixture evenly into prepared cake pans and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

6. 06

   Step 6

   Leave for 10 minutes before gently removing the cakes, and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.

7. 07

   Step 7

   Set aside one cup (200 grams) of Morello cherries, reserving 3/4 cup (180 ml) of cherry syrup. In a small saucepan, add cherry syrup, sugar and cornflour. Heat on medium-low, stirring constantly, for approximately 3-4 minutes or until syrup thickens.

8. 08

   Step 8

   Stir in cherry liqueur, if using. Set aside to cool completely. Cherry syrup should reduce to approximately 1/2 cup (120 ml) of liquid.

9. 09

   Step 9

   Whipped creamAdd cream and vanilla to a large mixing bowl. Use a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or a hand mixer and start whisking on low speed. Turn the mixer up to medium speed.

10. 10

    Step 10

    Continue to mix and watch closely as the cream changes texture. Instead of going by time, look for visual clues. Your cream will slowly thicken and become smooth, creamy, and cloud-like.

11. 11

    Step 11

    Turn your mixer back to a low speed or swap for a hand whisk. Continue to beat until you see the cream turn thick and stiff. When this happens, stop immediately or you’ll over-whip your cream.

12. 12

    Step 12

    Use a serrated knife to level the tops of both cakes, to ensure they are flat. Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat the top of the cake in cherry syrup.

13. 13

    Step 13

    Cover in a generous layer of whipped cream and spread into one even layer. Carefully place morello cherries all over the top. Drizzle over more cherry syrup.

14. 14

    Step 14

    Place remaining chocolate cake layer on top (I like to place it upside down). Generously brush more cherry syrup on top of the chocolate cake. Spread whipped cream all over the top and sides of the cake. Use a teaspoon to swoosh the cream into swirls.

15. 15

    Step 15

    Decorate with grated chocolate and fresh cherries.