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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.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Europäisch
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix or homemade chocolate sponge
  • 1½ 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

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Bake chocolate cake layers according to package or homemade recipe and let cool completely.
  3. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  4. Slice cake into 2 or 3 even layers using a knife or cake leveler.
  5. Lightly brush each layer with Kirsch or cherry juice.
  6. Layer the cake with whipped cream and cherries in between.
  7. Cover the entire cake with whipped cream and decorate with cherries and chocolate shavings.
  8. 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.