Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte Recipe – The Classic German Cherry Torte

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Germany with this classic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte recipe. Layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries, all covered in chocolate shavings. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat!

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, also known as Black Forest Cake, is a classic German dessert that is loved by people all over the world. This rich and indulgent cake is made up of layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries, all covered in a layer of chocolate shavings. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to make your own Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte at home.

Ingredients

• For the cake:
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (100 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
• For the filling:
  • 2 cups (500 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150 g) pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
• For the topping:
  • 1 cup (100 g) semi-sweet chocolate shavings

Instructions

Making the cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the surface with a spatula.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
2. Fold in the pitted cherries.

Assembling the cake

1. Place one of the cake layers onto a serving platter or cake stand.
2. Spread half of the cherry filling over the cake layer.
3. Repeat with the remaining cake layer and cherry filling.
4. Cover the entire cake with the chocolate shavings.

Refrigerating the cake

1. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Serving the cake

1. Serve the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte chilled, with a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top, if desired.

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a classic German dessert that is both rich and indulgent. With layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries, this cake is sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just for a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to bring a little bit of Germany into your home.