Classic Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)

Black Forest Cake is one of those desserts that makes the table go quiet for a second. Airy chocolate sponge, a quick brush of kirsch, juicy cherries in the middle, and a thick layer of whipped cream to hold it all together. Simple idea, big payoff. The bitter-ish chocolate keeps things in check while the fruit brings that bright, juicy bite. Honestly, one forkful and you get why it’s such a classic.

I like it a little dramatic on top: soft waves of cream, chocolate shavings that fall where they want, and a few glossy cherries for the “ta-da.” It looks fancy without trying too hard. Rich? Sure. But the cherry and cream keep it from feeling heavy, so you pretty much go back for another slice. Strong coffee on the side is kind of mandatory.

Ingredients

Portions

-

12

+

Metric US

Chocolate sponge

• 6
  eggs
• 150 g
  granulated sugar
• 100 g
  all-purpose flour
• 50 g
  cocoa powder
• 1 tsp
  baking powder
• 1 pinch
  salt

Filling and cream

• 700 ml
  heavy whipping cream
• 60 g
  powdered sugar
• 2 tsp
  vanilla extract
• 500 g
  cherries (fresh or canned, pitted)
• 100 ml
  kirsch (cherry brandy)

Decoration

• 100 g
  dark chocolate, shaved
• 12
  whole cherries (fresh or maraschino)

Author

Mario Kapustic

Hi! I’m Mario from Croatia. I love cooking and sharing recipes that combine tradition with creativity. I started Tasty Empire to share my family’s recipes — the ones from Mom and Grandma — and all the little tricks I’ve picked up along the way. I especially enjoy pasta, risottos, homemade breads, and desserts, always looking for little ways to enrich flavors.

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Method

Bake the sponge

• Prepare sponge batter
  Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into the egg mixture.
• Bake
  Pour batter into a greased springform pan and bake at 180°C for 35–40 minutes. Let it cool completely, then slice into 3 layers.

Prepare the filling

• Whip cream
  Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
• Soak sponge
  Sprinkle each sponge layer lightly with kirsch for extra flavor.

Assemble the cake

• First layer
  Spread whipped cream over the first sponge, then add a layer of cherries.
• Repeat
  Place the second sponge on top, add cream and cherries again, then finish with the final sponge layer.
• Frost the cake
  Cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.

Decorate and serve

• Chocolate and cherries
  Decorate with chocolate shavings around the sides and top. Place whole cherries evenly on top for a traditional finish.
• Chill and serve
  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Note: You can prepare it without kirsch for a non-alcoholic version, but the authentic flavor comes from cherry brandy.

Nutrition per serving

Calories

450 kcal

Updated: August 30, 2025

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