This is the easiest black forest cake recipe you’ll ever find. Less than 45 minutes to make from start to finish this black forest cake will take you straight your Germany.
I’m a HUGE fan of German desserts, actually I could live for Apfelstrudel (I know, I know, it’s technically Austrian), Lebkuchen cookies and I’m proud to say that I can pretty much eat my weight on pretzels. However German cakes have never quite been my thing, not that I don’t like them, it’s just that I thought they were incredibly difficult and time consuming to make.
However, the other day I was really craving a black forest cake, and being the stubborn that I am I decided to try my hand at making a super easy one. One that could be made in less than 45 minutes and with simple, easy to find ingredients (bonus points if those ingredients were already in my kitchen). And oh my gosh the result is so so good I almost can’t believe it.
First, this black forest cake tastes like the real dessert. If I’m being honest here most of the times the easy way out, tastes like well, the easy way out. But in this case, the result is just like the one you already know and love.
The other thing that I completely loved is that the chocolate cake (aka the starting point of this recipe) is just mind blowing good. It’s one of the best chocolate cakes I’ve ever had and I have had a lot of them.
Then we have the tang of the cherries, I made a simple syrup with a little bit of cherry juice and a Lil bit of liqueur (you can take it out if you prefer) and the result is an amped up chocolate cake with just a light fruity after tastes which is perfect. So even if you are not a huge fan of fruit cakes (like me) you are going to love this.
And finally, and what I consider the best thing about this whole black forest cake. The meringue, the meringue on top balances everything off perfectly. it’s sweet but not too sweet and the chocolate shavings on top give it a nice understated decoration.
You can also add some cherries on top if you feel like it but I personally love the rustic look and vibe of this black forest cake.
- 1/2 Cup butter
- 1/2 Cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 Cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 Cup sugar
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1/3 Cup Greek yogurt
- 3/4 Cups buttermilk
- 5 tablespoon preserved cherries juice
- 1 tablespoon kirsch
- Meringue
- Chocolate shavings
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl mix on medium speed the butter and sugar until pale. Add the brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until incorporated. Add the baking powder, cocoa powder, and Greek yogurt.
- Slowly add the flour and mix until barely incorporated. Pour the buttermilk and mix until you have a shiny batter.
- Pour into the prepared cake pan and take to the oven. Bake for 40 minutes or until done.
- Meanwhile, make the simple syrup mixing the juice with the kirsch.
- One the cake comes out of the oven and it’s cool to the touch poke it with the help of a fork.
- Brush the top with the simple syrup. Cover with the meringue and the chocolate shavings.
- Serve and enjoy.
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