Layers of light chocolate sponge, soaked in kirsch, filled with whipped cream and sour cherries, and finished with a thick layer of whipped cream, chocolate shavings and a cherry. The most famous cake in Germany, named after the Black Forest, where the kirsch comes from.
Black Forest gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)
Region: Black Forest
Black Forest gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)
Region: Black Forest
Method
01
Bake the sponge
Preheat the oven to 180 °C and line the base of a springform tin (Ø 22 cm) with baking parchment. Whisk the eggs with the sugar for approx. 8 minutes until light and pale yellow, until it reaches the ribbon stage. Sift the flour, cocoa and baking powder over the top and gently fold in. Pour into the tin and bake for 25–30 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool completely.
02
Cherry filling
Bring the reserved cherry juice to the boil with the sugar. Mix the cornflour with a splash of cold water and stir it in. Thicken, stirring. Stir in the drained cherries and leave to cool.
03
Divide the sponge
Cut the cooled sponge horizontally into three equal layers.
04
Soak
Brush each layer with kirsch (keep some for the cream).
05
Whip the cream
Whip the cream with the icing sugar and vanilla sugar until stiff peaks form.
06
Assemble
Place the bottom layer on a cake plate, spread half of the cherry filling over it and a layer of whipped cream. Repeat with the second layer. Cover with the third layer.
07
Finish
Coat the whole cake with the remaining whipped cream. Sprinkle generously with chocolate shavings and finish with cherries.
08
Chill and serve
Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving, so the cake can set well.
Tips & notes
Don't be sparing with the kirsch on the sponge layers; that is the flavour that distinguishes this cake from an ordinary cream cake. Always use sour cherries (morellos), not sweet cherries; the contrast with the sweet cream is essential for the balance. Keep the cake covered in the fridge for a maximum of 2 days. Without the cream and cherries the sponge can be frozen.
Variations
- Leave out the kirsch for an alcohol-free, child-friendly version, replacing it with extra cherry juice.
- Make individual cakes in small glasses for a modern presentation that is easier to serve.
Contains:
Gluten
Eggs
Milk
| Calories | 413 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fibre | 1 g |
Estimated values, calculated from standard nutritional values per ingredient.
