Schwartzwalder Kirsch torte (Black Forest Cake)

Schwartzwalder Kirsch torte (Black Forest Cake)

(A decadent German dessert made with layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherries, whipped cream, and Kirshwasser, topped with chocolate shavings.)

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 6 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups pitted sour cherries (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup Kirschwasser (cherry brandy)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Whole cherries

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Instructions

1. Bake the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold in the dry ingredients, then mix in melted butter.
5. Divide batter between cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely, then slice each cake into two layers (for a total of four).

2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat.
2. Stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Kirshwasser.
3. Let cool.

3. Make the Whipped Cream:

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

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a plate and brush lightly with Kirshwasser.
2. Spread a layer of cherry filling, then a layer of whipped cream.
3. Repeat with remaining layers.
4. Cover the entire cake with whipped cream.

5. Decorate & Serve:

1. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and garnish with whole cherries.
2. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

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Why This Version Stands Out?

✅ Authentic German recipe with real Kirshwasser.
✅ Light and fluffy sponge cake balanced with rich chocolate.
✅ Perfectly layered for a stunning presentation.

Would you like a cup of espresso or a glass of cherry liqueur to pair with it? 😊🍒🍫