The Black Forest Cake, also known as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte in German, is a classic dessert that originated in the Black Forest region of Germany. It’s a decadent cake made with layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings. The cake is often enhanced with a splash of Kirsch, a type of cherry brandy.
Here is a detailed recipe for a Pâtissier’s Black Forest Cake:
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1 can (20 ounces) pitted cherries, drained (keep the juice)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry brandy), optional
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate, for decoration
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
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In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. Be gentle to avoid overmixing.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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While the cakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream filling. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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If using, mix the Kirsch with the drained cherry juice.
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Once the cakes are completely cool, you can start assembling the cake. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Brush the top with a little cherry juice.
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Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake layer and top with a portion of the drained cherries.
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Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process, brushing with cherry juice, adding whipped cream, and cherries.
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Cover the entire cake with a layer of whipped cream, including the sides. You can use a spatula to create a smooth finish.
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Decorate the top and sides of the cake with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate.
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Refrigerate the cake for at least a few hours or overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
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Slice and serve the delicious Pâtissier’s Black Forest Cake to enjoy!
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 45 minutes
- Baking: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling and Assembling: 1-2 hours
- Total: Approximately 2.5-3.5 hours
Remember, these times are approximate and may vary based on your kitchen equipment and experience. Enjoy creating and savoring this rich and delightful dessert!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for a Pâtissier’s Black Forest Cake (per serving, assuming a typical slice):
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Total Fat: Around 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: About 12-15g
- Cholesterol: Roughly 70-90mg
- Sodium: Around 100-150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
- Dietary Fiber: About 2-3g
- Sugars: Roughly 25-30g
- Protein: Around 4-6g
Health Information:
- Indulgent Treat: Black Forest Cake is a delicious and indulgent dessert. It’s rich in calories, saturated fat, and sugars, making it a treat best enjoyed in moderation.
- Portion Control: Due to its high calorie and sugar content, it’s important to enjoy this cake in small portions to avoid excessive calorie intake.
- Nutrient Distribution: The cake contains fats from the whipped cream and chocolate, carbohydrates from the cake layers and cherries, and a small amount of protein from the eggs and cream.
- Added Sugars: The cake includes both natural sugars from cherries and added sugars in the cake layers and whipped cream. Excess sugar intake should be limited for a balanced diet.
- Saturated Fat: The cake’s high saturated fat content is primarily from the cream and chocolate. Diets high in saturated fats can contribute to heart health concerns, so it’s advisable to consume such desserts occasionally.
- Fruit Benefit: The cherries provide some vitamins and antioxidants, but they are also often sweetened. Enjoying fresh fruit as part of your diet is a healthier option.
- Moderation: While the Black Forest Cake is a delightful treat, it’s not a suitable option for individuals with dietary restrictions, weight management goals, or specific health conditions.
- Balanced Diet: Incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, alongside occasional treats like this cake, supports a balanced diet.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on the recipe and portion size. When enjoying desserts like Black Forest Cake, it’s important to be mindful of your overall dietary intake and make choices that align with your health and wellness goals.
