Ultimate Black Forest Cake Recipe

Name: Ultimate Black Forest Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Cake:; 2 cups white sugar, divided; 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup shortening; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk; 1/2 cup cherry liqueur, divided; Filling:; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 pinch salt; 1 (16 ounce) can pitted sour cherries, drained

Servings: persons

Cake:
2 cups white sugar, divided
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup cherry liqueur, divided
Filling:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons cherry liqueur
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 pinch salt
1 (16 ounce) can pitted sour cherries, drained

1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two 8-inch round pans with parchment paper.
2
Sift 1 1/2 cups of the white sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl. Beat shortening and remaining 1/2 cup white sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat 1 egg at a time into the shortening mixture; add vanilla extract with last egg. Add portions of flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating after each addition to form a smooth batter. Pour batter into prepared baking pans.
3
Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
4
Remove parchment from cake bottoms. Cut each layer in half horizontally, making 4 layers total. Pour 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur over each cake half.
5
Beat cream in a chilled glass or metal bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Beat in 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat in confectioners' sugar and salt until cream filling is smooth and stiff.
6
Spread 1 cake layer with 1/4 of the cream filling; top with 1/3 cherries. Repeat with 2 additional layers. Place 4th layer on top; frost top and sides of cake with remaining cream filling.

1703

kcal

Calories

Fat

204

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Cake:, 2 cups white sugar, divided, 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, and more.

Yes, Ultimate Black Forest Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Ultimate Black Forest Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions