🍒 Black Forest Cake (Classic German Dessert)

A timeless combination of rich chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, topped with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries — a showstopper for any celebration.

---

🧾 Ingredients

🧁 For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup whole milk

🍒 For the Filling & Topping:

• 1 cup cherry pie filling

• 2 cups heavy cream (cold)

• 3 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Chocolate shavings (for garnish)

• Fresh cherries (for garnish)

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Bake the Cake Layers:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

6. Divide the batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

---

2️⃣ Assemble the Cake:

1. Once completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate.

2. Spread half the cherry pie filling over the top.

3. Place the second cake layer gently on top.

---

3️⃣ Make the Whipped Cream Frosting:

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

2. Spread whipped cream over the top and sides of the assembled cake.

---

4️⃣ Garnish & Chill:

• Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries on top.

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to set.

---

⏱️ Quick Summary:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Bake Time: 30 minutes

• Cool & Assemble: ~1 hour

• Total Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes

• Servings: 10–12 slices