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Freshly baked German apple strudel on a rustic wooden table

Name: Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake)

Summary: A deliciously rich and fluffy German chocolate cake layered with whipped cream, cherries, and a hint of cherry schnapps (Kirsch). Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you need a slice of joy.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Europäisch
Servings 10
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • 2–3 round cake pans (8-inch)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Offset spatula
  • Cake leveler or serrated knife

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix or homemade chocolate sponge
  • cups canned sour cherries drained
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp Kirsch optional
  • ½ cup chocolate shavings
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Extra cherry juice for brushing cake layers

Instructions
 

  • Instructions:
  • Bake chocolate cake layers according to package or homemade recipe and let cool completely.
  • Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  • Slice cake into 2 or 3 even layers using a knife or cake leveler.
  • Lightly brush each layer with Kirsch or cherry juice.
  • Layer the cake with whipped cream and cherries in between.
  • Cover the entire cake with whipped cream and decorate with cherries and chocolate shavings.
  • Chill before serving for best flavor and structure.

Notes

Notes:
Stabilize whipped cream with cornstarch or gelatin if needed.
Kirsch adds authenticity but can be omitted.
For extra flavor, fold a few chopped cherries into the cream between layers.
Keyword easy German dessert