Ah, Christmas Black Forest Cake! Just saying it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This cake is the epitome of festive indulgence, with its rich chocolate layers paired perfectly with tart cherries and fluffy whipped cream. I remember the first time I made it for a holiday gathering; the look on my family’s faces as they took their first bites was priceless! It’s become a cherished tradition in my home, and I love how it adds a touch of elegance to any Christmas celebration. Trust me, once you taste this luscious cake, you’ll want it on your holiday table every year. It’s truly a standout dessert!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 jar (24 oz) sour cherries, drained
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
How to Prepare Christmas Black Forest Cake
Prepping the Cake
Alright, let’s get started on this fabulous Christmas Black Forest Cake! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them well with butter or cooking spray, then dust with a little flour to prevent sticking—trust me, you don’t want a cake disaster! In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk until everything’s well blended. This dry mix is the foundation of your cake, so let’s get it right!
Baking the Cake
Now, it’s time to bring the wet ingredients into the party! Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Beat it all together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, carefully stir in the boiling water—this makes the batter nice and thin, which is perfect for a moist cake! Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Assembling the Cake
Once your cakes are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part—assembling! Start with one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top, then add a beautiful layer of those luscious sour cherries. Place the second cake layer on top, and don’t be shy with the cream! Frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream, making it look as festive as possible. For that final touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top and maybe toss on a few extra cherries for flair. Wow, your Christmas Black Forest Cake is ready to shine at your holiday gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the perfect festive centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with tart cherries creates a delicious balance.
- Visually stunning with its layers of cream and chocolate shavings.
- Surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers!
- Great for gatherings—everyone will want a slice!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Black Forest Cake turns out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, if you can, use fresh cherries instead of jarred ones for a burst of flavor—just make sure they’re pitted! Letting the cake sit for a few hours, or even overnight, before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Also, don’t be afraid to whip that cream until it forms soft peaks; this gives your frosting a lovely lightness. Finally, when you layer the cherries, be generous—this is what makes every slice a delightful surprise!
FAQs About Christmas Black Forest Cake
Can I use fresh cherries? Absolutely! Fresh cherries are a fantastic choice if they’re in season. Just make sure to pit them first for easy slicing!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just keep in mind that the cream may soften over time.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this Christmas Black Forest Cake is vegetarian-friendly! Just double-check the ingredients in your whipped cream to be sure.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? You bet! This cake actually tastes better after it sits for a few hours, so feel free to make it a day in advance.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this delightful Christmas Black Forest Cake is approximately 350 calories, with 15g of fat and 5g of protein. You’ll also find about 50g of carbohydrates and 25g of sugar per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. So, enjoy this festive treat while being mindful of the indulgence!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas Black Forest Cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain that delightful creaminess and flavor. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze slices! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw the slices in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—this cake is best enjoyed chilled, just as it is!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Christmas Black Forest Cake: 7 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive chocolate cake layered with cherries and cream, perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 jar (24 oz) sour cherries, drained
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Stir in boiling water until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Layer one cake with cherries and cream. Place the second layer on top.
- Frost the top and sides with remaining cream.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings and additional cherries.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries if available.
- Store leftovers in the fridge.
- Let the cake sit for a few hours for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Christmas Black Forest Cake, festive dessert, chocolate cake