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Dark Forest Cake Recipe

Dark Forest Cake Recipe
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This Dark Forest Cake Recipe is a classic indulgent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake layers, juicy fresh cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for celebrations or everyday treats, this cake delivers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures with its moist chocolate layers, bright cherry filling, and creamy topping. Easy to make and customizable, it’s an impressive yet approachable dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 2 cups
  • Cocoa powder – 3/4 cup
  • Baking powder – 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Baking soda – 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Granulated sugar – 1 3/4 cups

Wet Ingredients

  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Whole milk – 1 cup
  • Butter or oil (melted) – 1/2 cup
  • Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons

Filling & Topping

  • Fresh cherries – 2 cups, pitted and halved
  • Kirsch or cherry liqueur (optional) – 2 tablespoons
  • Heavy whipping cream – 2 cups
  • Powdered sugar – 1/4 cup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven and grease your cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, melted butter or oil, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mixing just until incorporated to keep the cake tender.
  2. Bake the Chocolate Layers: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake according to your oven’s settings, typically 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool briefly in their pans before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid melting the frosting when assembling.
  3. Prepare the Cherry Filling: While the cake cools, pit and halve the fresh cherries. Optionally, macerate them with sugar and cherry liqueur or juice to enhance flavor. This juicy cherry filling will contrast beautifully with the chocolate layers.
  4. Whip the Cream: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters. Combine heavy cream with powdered sugar and whip until soft peaks form. This fluffy whipped cream will balance the richness of the cake.
  5. Assemble the Cake: Place the first chocolate layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream, then add a handful of cherries. Repeat with the second layer, finishing with a thick, even layer of whipped cream on top. Decorate with remaining cherries and, optionally, chocolate shavings.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smooth batter.
  • Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and keep cake light.
  • Avoid overmixing to maintain tender cake layers.
  • Chill the cream bowl for better whipping and peak stability.
  • Fresh cherries provide the best flavor; canned cherries need draining and syrup reduction.
  • Frozen cherries can be used if thawed and drained well.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking blend.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cake slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dark Forest Cake, Black Forest Cake, chocolate cherry cake, layered cake, whipped cream dessert

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/dark-forest-cake-recipe/