Best Black Forest Cake Recipes

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.

QUICK BLACK FOREST CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Mix together: cake mix, beaten eggs, almond extract, cherry pie filling and 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips. Stir until just combined. Pour batter into a greased 9x13 inch pan.
• Bake in a 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove cake from oven and let cool.
• To Make Glaze: Heat 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, butter or margarine, and milk in a saucepan over medium high heat. Once semisweet chocolate chips are melted and mixture is combined stir in confectioners' sugar.
• Spread glaze over cooled cake. Serve cake as is or with whipped cream and a cherry.

BLACK FOREST CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans, or spray with baking spray with flour.
• Make and bake cake as directed on box for 8- or 9-inch rounds. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• In medium bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until slightly thickened. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in brandy. In another small bowl, mix pie filling and almond extract.
• On serving plate, place 1 cake layer, rounded side down. Spread with half of the whipped cream, then 1 cup cherry mixture to within 1 inch of edge. Top with second layer, rounded side up. Frost top with remaining whipped cream. Spoon remaining cherry mixture over top. Sprinkle with sliced almonds. Store covered in refrigerator.

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!

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 BROWNIE DUMP CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly coat the sides of a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
• Pour cherry filling into the prepared baking pan. Pour water evenly over pie filling. Sprinkle brownie mix evenly in one layer on the top; do not stir it in. Grate frozen butter evenly over the brownie mix.
• Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly all over, about 35 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

GERMAN BLACK FOREST CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of two greased 9-in. round baking pans; grease paper., In a large bowl, beat milk, eggs, oil and vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into milk mixture., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely., Meanwhile, for filling, drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup juice. In a small saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch and reserved juice; add cherries. Cook and stir over low heat 10-12 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; stir in brandy. Cool completely., In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until stiff peaks form., Using a long serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Top with 1-1/2 cups whipped cream. Spread 3/4 cup filling to within 1 in. of edge. Repeat twice. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining whipped cream, reserving some to pipe decorations, if desired. Spoon remaining filling onto top of cake. Refrigerate until serving.

BLACK FOREST CHERRY CAKE

Steps:

• CAKE: Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla together until thick and fluffy, about 10 minutes.
• Alternately fold chocolate and flour into the egg mixture, ending with flour.
• Pour the batter into 3 8-inch cake pans that have been well greased and floured.
• Bake in a preheated 350 degree F. oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool cakes in pans for 5 minutes; turn out on racks to cool completely.
• SYRUP: Make syrup by mixing together sugar and water and boiling for 5 minutes.
• When syrup has cooled, stir in kirsch.
• Prick the cake layers and pour syrup over all 3 layers.
• FILLING: To make the butter-cream filling, beat together sugar and butter until well blended.
• Add egg yolk; beat until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
• Fold in Kirsch.
• CAKE ASSEMBLY: To assemble cake, place 1 layer on a cake plate.
• Spread with butter cream filling.
• Using 3/4 cup of the cherries, which have been patted dry, drop cherries evenly over cream.
• Place second layer on cake.
• Repeat.
• Place third layer on top.
• Fold 2 T confectioners' sugar into the whipped cream.
• Cover the sides and top of the cake with whipped cream.
• Decorate top of cake with remaining 1/2 cup cherries.
• To make chocolate curls from chocolate bar, shave (at room temperature) with a vegetable peeler.
• Refrigerate curls until ready to use.
• Press chocolate curls on sides of cake and sprinkle a few on the top.
• Chill until serving time.

BLACK FOREST DUMP CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°. Spread pie filling into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with undrained cherries. Sprinkle with cake mix and almonds. Top with cubed butter., Bake until topping is set, 40-50 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

BLACK FOREST CAKE

Steps:

• In a microwave, melt chocolate; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat the oil, egg yolks, 1 cup sugar and melted chocolate. Combine the flour, salt and baking soda; gradually add to chocolate mixture alternately with milk. , In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter., Pour into two greased and waxed paper-lined 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks., In a large bowl, beat cream filling ingredients until smooth; cover and refrigerate. For cherry filling, drain cherries, reserving juice. In a saucepan, combine cornstarch, sugar and cherry juice until smooth. Add cherries. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in extract and food coloring. Cool completely., In a small bowl, beat chocolate filling ingredients until soft peaks form. Cover and refrigerate. , For frosting, in a large bowl, beat the cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Cover and refrigerate., To assemble, cut each cake into two horizontal layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with 1/2 cup cream filling. Place 1 cup cream filling in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a 1/2-in. triangle in one corner of bag. Make a rim of filling 3/4 in. high around outer edge of cake., Make a second rim 2 in. from edge. Spoon cherry filling between rings. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Spread chocolate filling over second cake layer; place over cherry filling. , Spread remaining cream filling over third layer; place over chocolate filling. Top with fourth layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Garnish with chocolate curls, cherries and mint. Store in the refrigerator.

BLACK FOREST LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottoms and sides of 3 (8-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray; line with cooking parchment paper.
• In small bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another small bowl, beat baking cocoa and 1 1/4 cups water with whisk until well blended. Set both bowls aside.
• In bowl of electric stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat 2/3 cup softened butter and 1 1/3 cups sugar on medium speed 2 to 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; beat in eggs, one at a time, just until smooth. Beat in 2 teaspoons vanilla. On low speed, beat in one-third of the flour mixture, then half of the cocoa mixture, beating well after each addition, just until smooth. Repeat with flour mixture and cocoa mixture, ending with flour mixture. Scrape side of bowl occasionally. Pour 1 2/3 cups batter in each pan; spread evenly. Tap pans on counter 2 to 3 times to eliminate air bubbles from batter.
• Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, beat 1/2 cup sugar and the cornstarch with whisk. Beat in 1/3 cup water until smooth. Stir in chopped cherries. On medium-high heat, heat cherry mixture to boiling; boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon butter. Pour into small bowl. Refrigerate uncovered at least 1 hour.
• In medium glass or metal bowl, beat egg whites and 1 1/2 cups sugar with whisk until blended. Set over pan of simmering water, beating occasionally, 16 to 20 minutes or until sugar has dissolved and egg mixture reaches 160°F. Remove from heat; pour into bowl of electric stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Beat on high speed 2 to 3 minutes or until glossy peaks form and bowl has cooled to feel slightly warm. Still on high speed, slowly add 1 1/2 cups butter, one piece at a time, scraping side of bowl occasionally, until mixture is smooth, thick and shiny, 12 to 14 minutes. Beat in 2 teaspoons vanilla. If mixture separates, beat until smooth.
• Fit decorating bag with 1/2-inch round piping tip; fill with frosting. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Pipe a thick frosting border around top edge of cake layer. Pipe a second border just inside the first border. Spread 2/3 cup of the cherry filling over top of cake inside borders. Top with second cake layer; repeat borders and filling. Place third cake layer on top. Frost side and top of cake with remaining frosting. Press shaved chocolate around bottom half of cake. Refrigerate 1 hour.
• When ready to serve, mound maraschino cherries in center of cake. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.

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.

BLACK FOREST GATEAU ( CAKE )

Steps:

• Cherry Filling: Stir together the drained cherries, 1/4 cup reserved syrup and the kirsch. Set aside while preparing cakes.
• To make the sponge cakes: Preheat oven to 350ºF and butter (3) 8-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms of pans with parchment paper and then butter the paper also.
• Put yolks and sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer and beat on medium speed until the mixture has at least doubled in volume, is very thick and mousse-like and a wide ribbon trail slowly falls back into the bowl when beaters are lifted. This could take 5 minutes or more. Don't short the time here!
• Sift in the cocoa and gently fold with a large spoon.
• In another large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
• Carefully fold egg whites into chocolate mixture, 1/3 at a time.
• Divide the batter into the 3 prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, until cakes spring back when touched and have pulled away from sides of pans.
• Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes; invert onto a wire rack & peel off the paper.
• Now go back to your cherries - drain them but hold onto the syrup! Place the cherries on paper towels to dry. Set aside 12 or so for garnish.
• Cream Filling:.
• In the clean bowl of your stand mixer, or with an electric mixer, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Sprinkle in the sugar and whip until slightly thicker.
• Assembly: Place 1 cake layer on a large serving platter. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons reserved syrup.
• Spread with 1/4 of the cream filling. Press 1/2 of the cherries into the cream.
• Stack on the second cake layer. Sprinkle it with reserved kirsch syrup as before. Spread with 1/4 of the cream & the rest of the cherries (except for the ones reserved for garnish).
• Top with final cake layer & sprinkle with remaining syrup.
• Cover the top and sides with all the remaining whipped cream - you can either pipe it or spread it on - then garnish with the reserved cherries & grated chocolate.
• Refrigerate until serving time. Best eaten within 48 hours.

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 II

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line the bottoms of two 8 inch round pans with parchment paper circles. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
• Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until combined. Pour into 2 round 8 inch pans.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Cool completely. Remove paper from the cakes. Cut each layer in half, horizontally, making 4 layers total. Sprinkle layers with the 1/2 cup kirshwasser.
• In a medium bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add confectioners sugar, pinch of salt, and coffee; beat until smooth. If the consistency is too thick, add a couple teaspoons of cherry juice or milk. Spread first layer of cake with 1/3 of the filling. Top with 1/3 of the cherries. Repeat with the remaining layers.
• In a separate bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks. Beat in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1 tablespoon kirshwasser. Frost top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with chocolate curls made by using a potato peeler on semisweet baking chocolate.

BLACK FOREST CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: Make the cake according to the package instructions, but substitute half of the water with coffee, and the other half with buttermilk (most likely it will call for 1 cup total of water). Bake in two 8-inch round cake pans according to package instructions. Let the cakes cool completely.
• For the cream: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream, sugar and almond extract together in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
• For the cherries: Combine the cherries and kirsch in a small bowl.
• To assemble: Use a serrated knife to cut the cakes in half horizontally. Create layers of cake, cherries and whipped cream, repeating. Top the cake with whipped cream, a few cherries and chocolate shavings.

BLACK FOREST CHERRY CAKE - SCHWARTZWALDER KIRSCHTORTE

Steps:

• Step 1:.
• Pour flour on work surface and sprinkle sugar and baking powder on top. Make a well and drop the vanilla extract and egg yolk. Slice butter thinly, add to the well, kneading into a smooth dough. Roll out to a 10" round and turn onto a greased and floured baking sheet. Prick with a fork and bake in a pre-heated oven at 400 for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Step 2:
• Beat egg yolks with warm water, almond and vanilla extracts, cinnamon, and sugar (keeping 2 tablespoons back for the egg whites) until creamy (about 5 minutes). Set aside. Beat egg whites with the 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff. Sprinkle with the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cocoa until well mixed. Pour egg yolk mixture over it and fold into egg whites. Pour into a greased and floured springform pan (10x3). Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately invert onto a platter to cool.
• Step 3:
• Drain cherries, reserving the juice. Set aside 12 cherries for decorations. Measure 1 cup and 2 tablespoons of the juice (adding water if not enough) into a sauce pan and add sugar. Make a paste with the corn starch and 4 tablespoons of the cherry juice (taken from sauce pan). . Bring the juice in pan to a boil, stir in paste. Return to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from the heat, stir in the cherries and Kirschwasser. Set aside to cool.
• Step 4:.
• Bring sugar and water to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Kirschwasser. Place light cake on platter and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of Kirschwasser mixture. Cut cooled dark cake into 3 even layers, drizzle each with 3 tablespoons of Kirschwasser mixture and set aside. Place 2 1/2 tablespoons cold water into seperate suace pan, adding 1 envelope of gelatin. Heat just until gelatin is dissolved (can use double boiler), cool slightly. Beat in 1 1/2 cups of whipping cream with 2/3 cups of powdered sugar until fairly stiff. Sprinkle with gelatin water slowly, beating until stiff.
• Assembly:
• Place light cake on serving platter. Cover with one layer of dark cake, spread 1/2 of the cherry mixture over it. Cover it with 1/2 of the whipped cream. Place second layer of cake on top. Cover with the remaining cherry mixture and whipped cream. Place last layer of cake on top and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Place 2 1/2 tablespoons cold water into a saucepan; add the second envelope of gelatin. Stir mixture just until gelatin is dissolved, cool slightly. Beat 2 cups of whipping cream with 1 cup powdered sugar until fairly stiff. Add gelatin slowly, beaiting until stiff. Spread over top and sides of cake. Pipe rosettes or nests on top and place reserved cherries in each. Sprinkle top and sides with grated chocolate.

BOX-MIX BLACK FOREST CAKE

Steps:

• Bake cake according to directions in a 9' x 13' x 2' pan.
• Mix pie filling and almond flavoring.
• While cake is still warm, poke top with fork and spread cherry pie filling over cake.
• While cake cooks, prepare pudding, adding extra vanilla flavoring.
• Fold in whipped topping.
• Spread pudding mixture over cake, carefully covering cherry pie filling.
• Decorate with chocolate sprinkles and maraschino cherries.
• Cover and refrigerate.

BLACK FOREST CAKE MIX

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
• Pour cake batter into a well greased Bundt pan.
• Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 45 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
• Cool for 25 minutes in the pan before turning out onto a rack to cool completely.
• Wonderful served with vanilla icecream or whipped cream.

BLACK FOREST CHERRY CAKE - SCHWARZWäLDER KIRCHTORTE

Steps:

• Several hours before you finish this cake, prepare Chocolate Sponge Cake, German-Style (can be found at http://www.recipezaar.com/rz.242152). Cake made in a springform pan should be cut in half (you can use string for this) and filled.
• Split cake in 2 pieces as follows: Carefully cut around the circumference of the cake with a sharp knife, about 1/2 inch deep. Take a long piece of thread, line it up with the cut and pull it through the cake, dividing it in half horizontally. Place top half on a piece of waxed paper. Place the bottom half on a cake plate with 4-5 short pieces of waxed paper under it and sticking out. These are to be pulled out before serving so you have a clean cake plate.
• Place 1/4 cup sugar in a pan with drained juice from the cherries plus water to equal 1 cup liquid. Bring to a boil. Mix 1/4 cup cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of the juice and pour into the hot liquid, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil for a few seconds, until sauce has thickened and is clear. Remove from heat, stir in cherries and schnapps and cool.
• Boil the other 1/4 cup sugar with 1/3 cup water for several minutes. Remove from heat, stir in remaining schnapps and use this mixture to brush over base of cake until absorbed.
• Whip whipping cream until stiff, adding powdered sugar and vanilla sugar about halfway through, to taste. You may add Whip It cream stiffener or gelatin to help it stay set, if you are not serving the cake right away.
• Place the cooled cherries in the middle of the bottom cake layer, leaving about an inch of space on the edge. Spoon the whipped cream around the edge and over the cherries, slightly. Place the top cake layer on the cake. Using a spatula, cover the edges of the cake with a thin layer of whipped cream and smooth. Cover the top in the same way. Using a pastry bag and tip, use the rest of the whipped cream to form 12 puffs around the edges and place a maraschino cherry on top of each puff. Make a circle of whipped cream in the middle and sprinkle chocolate curls inside to finish.
• Refrigerate until serving. Remove wax paper carefully, using a spatula to repair any holes. Wipe off knife between cuts.