Real Black Forest Cake Food

BLACK FOREST CAKE

Steps:

• Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottoms and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans; line the bottoms with parchment paper. Butter the parchment and dust the bottoms and sides of the pans with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess.
• Put the eggs (in their shells) in a medium bowl and cover with hot tap water; let stand 5 minutes (warming the eggs will help them whip better). Sift the cocoa powder, cake flour and salt into a medium bowl, then whisk in the almond flour; set aside.
• Remove the eggs from the water and crack into a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar and beat with a mixer on low speed to combine. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until pale, fluffy and thick, about 10 minutes. The mixture should fall off the beaters in a ribbon when lifted.
• Sprinkle one-third of the flour mixture over the egg mixture and gently fold with a whisk until combined. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture in two batches, adding the vanilla with the final addition. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until the cakes pull away from the sides of the pans and a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Immediately run a small offset spatula around the edges to loosen. Let the cakes cool 5 minutes in the pans, then remove to a rack, parchment-side down, and let cool completely.
• Meanwhile, make the whipped cream: Whisk the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan (the cornstarch will help stabilize the whipped cream). Slowly add 3/4 cup heavy cream, whisking, until a paste forms. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring, until thick and bubbling, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl, place a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface and refrigerate until completely cooled, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the filling: Bring the cherries, cherry syrup, kirsch and granulated sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the almond extract and transfer to a bowl. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
• Finish the whipped cream: Beat the remaining 2 1/4 cups cold heavy cream and vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute. With the mixer running, add the cooked cream mixture and beat until stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Drain the cherries and reserve the syrup. Discard the parchment from the cakes. Trim a thin layer off the top of each cake with a long serrated knife. Put one cake cut-side up on a cake stand or serving plate and brush with half of the reserved syrup. Spread about 1 cup whipped cream over the top in a thin layer, then top with all but 1/4 cup cherries. Spread 1 cup whipped cream over the cherries in a thin layer. Top with the remaining cake and brush with the remaining syrup. Spread 1 1/2 cups whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake in a thin layer (some crumbs are OK). Refrigerate 30 minutes.
• Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Sprinkle the shaved chocolate around the top of the cake and press into the sides; top with the reserved cherries. Refrigerate overnight; the cake will soak up the syrup.

BLACK FOREST CAKE FOR TWO

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a quarter-sheet pan with parchment paper overlapping the longer sides, then spray with baking spray, ensuring the exposed sides of the pan are well-greased.
• Combine the flour, granulated sugar and salt in a large bowl. Stir together and set aside.
• Mix the buttermilk, baking soda, vanilla and egg in a small pitcher. Set aside.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan, then add the cocoa. Whisk together to combine. Add 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil, then cook for 10 to 15 seconds. Add the chocolate mixture to the flour and stir together for a moment to cool slightly. Add the egg mixture and stir until smooth. Add the batter to the prepared pan and bake until cooked through in the center, about 15 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• For the cherry sauce: Combine the cherries, granulated sugar and liquor in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and thickened, 6 to 7 minutes,. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
• For the whipped cream: Whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla with a stand mixer until stiff peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Cover and transfer to the refrigerator until ready to build the cake.
• Once the cake has cooled completely, flip it onto a cutting board and remove the parchment paper. Cut the cake in half, then cut each piece in half again, giving you 4 equal pieces.
• Carefully put the first piece of the cake on a cake stand or platter. Spread a quarter of the whipped cream on top, then scatter a third of the cherry mixture over the top. Repeat two more times, trying to build the cake layers as straight and even as possible. Place the final piece of cake on the top and spread the remaining whipped cream over the top. Grate the chocolate bar over the top of the whipped cream for the finishing touch.
• Chill the cake for 20 minutes to help firm up the whipped cream before slicing and serving.

AUTHENTIC BLACK FOREST CAKE (SCHWARZWALD KIRSCH KUCHEN)

Steps:

• Pit most of the cherries leaving about 10 for decoration on top of the cake. Take the pitted cherries and soak them in a jar of the 1/2 cup Kirsch overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F Line the bottom of three 9 inch round cake pans with parchment.
• Sift the dry cake ingredients together.
• Cream the shortening and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
• Add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk and mix well.
• Pour evenly into the cake pans. Bake for 20 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean.
• Cool and remove the cakes. Prick the tops of the cakes with a toothpick and pour the 1/2 cup of Kirsch (that the cherries soaked in) onto the cake.
• In a bowl beat the butter until light and creamy. Add the icing sugar, salt and espresso and mix well. If the icing is too thick add Kirsch or cherry juice.
• Cut the cherries into halves.
• Place the base layer on top of your cake tray, spread 1/2 of the filling over one top, cover with cherries and top with another layer of cake.
• Spread the second half of the filling over that layer of cake, cover with cherries and top with the third layer of cake. Cover this and let sit in the fridge for a day or two to allow the kirsch to soak into the cake and become moist.
• The day you're going to serve this cake prepare the icing. Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
• Gently fold in the dry milk and icing sugar.
• Add the vanilla and pour in the Kirsch until it's a good consistency.
• If you like more icing double this recipe. Spread the icing over all of the cake.
• Place the fresh, intact cherries on top for decoration and cover the top with the chocolate shavings. Serve and enjoy!

REAL BLACK FOREST CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. grease and line with wax paper 3 - 9 inch round layer pans. Pour boiling water over cocoa and mix until smooth, and then cool. Cream butter and vanilla together. Add sugar gradually, then the eggs beating them in one at a time. Continue beating until very light. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with cocoa mixture. Beating just until combined. Divide batter equally in the 3 - 9" layer pans and bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Cool 5 minutes in pans and turn onto racks. Cool to room temperature. Cut each layer in half horizontally making a total of 6 layers. Spray or mist the top of each layer with a little Kirsch Syrup.
• 2. Kirsh Syrup: Bring to a boil 1/2 cup sugar, 2/3 cup water. Boil uncovered over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cool to lukewarm, add 1/3 cup of Kirsch Liqueur.
• 3. Chocolate Cream Filling: Melt 1 (4oz) bar German Sweet Chocolate, then cool to room temperature. Fold gently into 1 cup heavy cream, whipped. Chill until needed.
• 4. Cherry Filling: Drain 1 (1 pound) can of dark sweet cherries, pitted. Reserve 1/2 cup of the syrup. Cut the cherries in halves and pour over them 1/3 cup Kirsch syrup. **NOTE: Let this stand 1/2 hour to 4 hours (The longer they stand the more pronounced the Kirsch flavor)** Mix 4 teaspoons of cornstarch or arrowroot and reserved 1/2 cup cherry syrup. Stir in cherries and Kirsch. Cook overlow heat until mixture starts to boil. Cook a few minutes longer, stirring. Chill covered in refrigerator until thickened.
• 5. Kirsch Cream Filling **prepare this only right before you are ready to assemble the cake** Soak 2 teaspoons plain gelatin in 3 Tablespoons of Kirsch, then dissolve over hot water. Whip 2 cups heavy cream until it thickens and holds shape. quickly beat in 1/3 cup sifted confectioners sugar. Beat about 1/2 cup of the whipped cream into gelatin, then fold gelatin mixture into rest of whipped cream.
• 6. To Assemble Cake: You should have already cut each cake in half horizontally and sprayed or misted each layer with the Kirsch syrup. Place one layer on your serving plate and cover with 1/4 of the Kirsch Cream. Set a second layer on top and cover with 1/2 of the Chocolate Cream. Set a third layer on top and spread with another 1/4 of the Kirsch Cream Set a fourth layer on top and cover with the remaining 1/2 of the Chocolate Cream. Cover with fifth layer and spread on the Cherry Filling. Top with the sixth layer and spread top and sides with remaining 1/2 of Kirsch Cream.
• 7. Garnish by gently pressing chilled chocolage curls on the sides of cake and sprinkle a few on top. Arrange the Marachino Cherries on top of the cake. Refrigerate before serving. ENJOY!

HAUNTED BLACK FOREST LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• To make this cake, you will double the Genoise cake recipe, stirring 1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder into the flour and salt. Bake in two 9-inch round cake pans that are buttered, lined with parchment paper, and dusted with cocoa powder. To make simple syrup with kirsch, stir in 1/3 cup kirsch to simple syrup recipe.
• Slice each cake in half horizontally. Place 1 cake layer on a cake stand. Brush top with 1/4 cup simple syrup. Spread with 2 cups whipped cream, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Remove cherries from filling syrup with a slotted spoon, and transfer to a medium bowl. Scatter 1 1/4 cups cherries evenly over whipped cream. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons filling syrup. Repeat 2 times. Place final cake layer, cut side down, on top, and spread with ganache. Serve immediately.

BLACK FOREST CAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• To make the chocolate cake: Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Generously butter two 8-inch cake pans that are at least 2-inches high, and dust with cocoa powder, tapping the ramekins slightly to remove any excess.
• In a large bowl, place flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mix until combined. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, oil, vanilla, buttermilk, and water (pour the water slowly so it won't cook the eggs). Whisk until smooth. Add egg mixture into flour mixture and mix until smooth. Don't overbeat - batter will be lumpy at first, but mix gently and eventually stir with a whisk just until smooth. The batter will be thin and liquid. That's ok.
• Scrape batter into prepared pans. Bake cakes for 30-35 minutes (depending on your oven - this might take longer), or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before unmolding, then let cakes cool completely on a wire rack. I recommend wrapping the cakes in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze them for several hours before cutting them. Cut each cake layer in half horizontally.
• To make the syrup: place drained cherries in a medium bowl, and add to the bowl ¼ cup Kirsch and ½ cup cherry juice from can. Leave to soak at room temperature for 30 minutes or more, then drain cherries in a sieve over a bowl, keeping both the cherries and syrup. Add more cherry juice to the syrup to get 3/4 cup syrup (you won't need the rest of the juice, discard it or save for another use). This will be the soaking syrup for the cake layers.
• To make the whipped cream: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Read more about making perfect whipped cream here.
• Assembly: Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate and brush with 1/3 of the cherry syrup. Cover top with a thick layer of whipped cream frosting (about 1 cup) and top with 1/3 of the cherries. Repeat twice more with remaining layers and top with the last cake layer (there's no need to soak the top layer with syrup). Frost the top and sides of the cake with whipped cream. If you want, reserve some of the whipped cream, about 1½ cups, for decorating the top. Use a pastry bag with a large flower tip, and pipe rounds around the top. Top with whole cherries. Cover the sides and top with chocolate shavings, if desired. Store cake in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.

BLACK FOREST CAKE

Steps:

• Make the cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter three 7-inch cake pans, line them with wax paper and butter and flour the paper.
• In the top of a double boiler set over simmering water melt the chocolate with the butter, vanilla and water, stirring until smooth. Remove the pan from heat.
• Into a bowl sift together the flour and salt. In a bowl with an electric mixer beat the eggs with the sugar for 5 to 10 minutes, or until batter ribbons when beaters are lifted. Fold flour mixture into egg mixture until just combined and fold in chocolate mixture gently but thoroughly.
• Pour batter into pans, smoothing the tops, and bake for 10 -15 minutes, or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pans 5 minutes. Run knife around edge of pans and invert onto racks to cool completely.
• Make the filling: In a saucepan combine reserved cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring mixture to a boil over moderate heat, stirring, and simmer, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in cherries and kirsch, transfer to a bowl and let cool. Filling may be made 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled.
• Make the syrup: In a saucepan combine the sugar and water, bring to a simmer, stirring, and simmer until sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from heat and stir in liqueur. Let cool.
• Make the whipped cream topping: In small saucepan combine gelatin and liqueur and let soften 5 minutes. Gently heat mixture over low heat, stirring, until liquid is clear. Remove from heat. In chilled bowl with chilled beaters beat cream until it holds soft peaks, add sugar and vanilla and beat until it holds stiff peaks. Add gelatin mixture in stream, beating, and beat until it holds stiff peaks.
• Assemble cake: Invert one layer of cake onto a cardboard round, brush with some of syrup and spread half cherry filling over it. Spread 1 1/2 cups of whipped cream over cherries, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chocolate shavings and invert second layer of genoise onto cake. Brush with syrup, spread with remaining cherry filling and top with 1 1/2 cups whipped cream, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of chocolate shavings and invert third genoise layer onto cake. Brush top with syrup and spread remaining whipped cream over top and sides of cake reserving about 2/3 cup for gamish. Coat side of cake with some of remaining chocolate shavings. Transfer remaining whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip, pipe rosettes decoratively around top edge of cake and top each rosette with glaceed cherry. Sprinkle top of cake with remaining chocolate shavings and let cake stand, covered and chilled, for at least 3 hours and up to 8 hours.
• Recommended Wine: Pedro Ximenez Montilla Alvear

BLACK FOREST CAKE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with oil and line the bottom of each with parchment paper.
• To prepare the cake, in a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and boiling water until smooth. Add the buttermilk and 1 cup vegetable oil, and whisk to combine. Add the eggs, brown sugar and vanilla extract, then whisk to combine.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, then whisk to combine. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
• Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer the cakes to a rack to cool for about 20 minutes, then flip the cakes out onto the rack and let them cool completely. Flip the cakes again, so the domed portion is on top, and trim a bit of the dome off each cake to flatten the top. Carefully cut each layer in half horizontally, creating four layers.
• While the cake cools, prepare the cherry jam: In a small saucepan, combine the cherries and sugar over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking the cherries down with a wooden spoon or potato masher, until the fruit has released its juice, about 6 minutes.
• Pass the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving the syrup in a medium bowl and setting aside the cooked cherries. Measure out 1/2 cup/120 milliliters of the syrup. (If you have more, store the rest in the refrigerator for another use). Transfer 1 tablespoon syrup from the 1/2 cup to small bowl, then stir the Kirsch into remaining syrup; set aside to cool completely.
• Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to the reserved 1 tablespoon cherry syrup in the small bowl; whisk to combine. Transfer it to the saucepan, add the cooked cherries and cook over medium, stirring, until the mixture has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool completely. (You should have about 1 1/4 cups/300 milliliters jam.)
• Prepare the whipped cream: In a small saucepan, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, cornstarch and 1 cup heavy cream. Bring that mixture to a low boil over medium heat and cook, stirring, until thickened to the consistency of thin pudding, reducing heat as necessary to avoid scorching, about 2 minutes. Transfer cream mixture to a large bowl to cool completely.
• Assemble the cake: Whisk the cream mixture to loosen it, then add the remaining 3 cups heavy cream. Using an electric mixer on medium, beat the mixture until you have medium-stiff peaks, about 2 minutes. Set one cake layer on a serving plate, cut-side up. Brush it with some of the cherry-Kirsch syrup, spread about 1 cup whipped cream over the top, then 1/3 of the cherry jam. Swirl the jam and the cream together a bit to spread it out evenly. Repeat this process two more times and top it with the last cake layer, cut-side down. Then cover the entire cake with a thin layer of whipped cream. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• To finish, frost the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Prepare the chocolate curls: Warm the chocolate bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, then use a vegetable peeler to create curled chocolate shavings. Press the chocolate shavings onto the sides of the cake and over a 1-inch of the border on top. Top with the 8 cherries. Store leftovers, well wrapped, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

BLACK FOREST GATEAU

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Grease and line the base of 3 x 20cm cake tins. Boil the kettle. Put the butter and 75g chocolate broken into chunks in a small pan and gently heat, stirring, until completely melted.
• Mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa and bicarbonate of soda with a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk the eggs and buttermilk or yogurt together. Scrape the melted chocolate mixture and egg mixture into the dry ingredients, add 100ml boiling water and whizz briefly with an electric whisk until the cake batter is lump free.
• Divide the mixture between the tins and bake for 25 mins, swapping the tins round after 20 mins if they're on different shelves. To test they're done, push in a skewer and check that it comes out clean.
• Prick the cakes a few times with a skewer. Mix together the 2 tbsp reserved cherry juice and the kirsch (or more juice) and drizzle over the cakes. Cool the cakes.
• Mix together the remaining drained cherries and jam. Tip 200ml of the cream into a small pan and heat until just below simmering point. Chop the remaining chocolate and put in a heatproof bowl, pour over the hot cream and stir until melted. Set aside until spreadable.
• When the cakes are cool whisk the remaining cream and the icing sugar together until softly whipped. Spread over two of the cakes, then spoon over the jammy cherries. Stack the cakes together. Spread the chocolate cream over the third cake and sit on top of the other cakes. Pile the fresh cherries in and around the cake and serve