Classic Black Forest Cake 🍒🍫✨

A timeless, sophisticated cake with layers of rich chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream—perfect for Capricorn’s elegant and ambitious nature.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process for depth)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120ml) hot brewed coffee (enhances the chocolate flavor)

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups (300g) fresh or jarred cherries, pitted and halved
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry liqueur, optional for authenticity)

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Dark chocolate shavings
• Whole cherries with stems
• A dusting of cocoa powder (optional)

Instructions

Make the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
5. Mix in buttermilk alternately with dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin, but that’s normal).
7. Divide batter evenly into cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Make the Cherry Filling:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and Kirsch.
2. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until cherries soften.
3. Stir in cornstarch and cook for 2 more minutes until thickened. Let cool.

Make the Whipped Cream Frosting:

1. Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Brush lightly with Kirsch syrup (if using).
2. Spread a layer of cherry filling, followed by whipped cream.
3. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with whipped cream.

Capricorn’s Elegant Decoration:

• Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings over the top.
• Arrange whole cherries with stems for a classic, refined look.
• Lightly dust cocoa powder for a sophisticated touch.

🖤 Rich, elegant, and timeless—just like Capricorn!