| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 850 | 33.5g | 13.6g | 115g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 85g | 4g | 8g | 1g |
Each bite of the Black Forest Cake takes me on a delightful journey that begins in my sunny Californian kitchen, moves across the vast American heartlands and culminates in the rich, earthy flavors of my Gujarati heritage. Drawing from the quintessential Black Forest Gateau of Germany, this fruit-based cake is a wonderful evolution, fast becoming a cherished classic in my culinary repertoire.
Fusion At Its Best
Residing in California with my husband Faisal and our two boys, the strength of my cooking lies in the fusion of Indian-American flavors. The Black Forest Cake is a customization that represents the perfect marriage of West Coast sweetness with a tantalizing hint of Indian exoticism. I usually serve it alongside a lightly spiced chai – a true East meets West experience!
The Magic Behind the Flavors
Each element of the Black Forest Cake contributes to its unique taste. The unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate shavings go wonderfully well with the sweet ripeness of the cherry pie filling. The all-purpose flour holds everything together, with the baking powder and baking soda ensuring an airy lightness to the cake’s texture. To add to the depth of taste, the vanilla extract offers a wildly aromatic touch. All it takes is a few hours in the kitchen, and the compliments from friends and family follow after just one bite.
Health in Every Bite
Though the Black Forest Cake is not typically associated with health benefits, I’ve always believed there is a healthy element in indulgence, especially when the ingredients are of high quality and the dish is made with love and care. Plus, can we dismiss the antioxidants in the dark chocolate or the vitamins present in the cherries? Remember, moderation is the key!
Similar Delights Await
If you fell in love with my take on the Black Forest Cake, I would highly recommend also trying Mini Black Forest Cakes on BBC Good Food, or Jamie Oliver’s version of Black Forest Gateau. For an Indian-American fusion touch, serve this cake alongside Masala Chai and you’re in for a tasty treat.
Whether it’s a celebration, a dessert craving or a comforting end to a family dinner, the Black Forest Cake holds a special place in our household – a sumptuous symbol of my culinary journey across two continents. I’m sure it’ll find a sweet spot in yours as well!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Step Two
Into the same bowl, add 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until well combined.
Step Three
Slowly add 1 cup of boiling water to your mixture while gently stirring. Continue to mix until the batter becomes smooth.
Step Four
Transfer the batter into a cake pan and bake in a preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of the cake.
Step Five
While your cake is baking, prepare the icing by mixing 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until well blended and creamy.
Step Six
Once your cake has completely cooled, slice it in half horizontally. Spread the cherry pie filling on the bottom half of the cake, then carefully place the top layer of the cake back on.
Step Seven
Spread your prepared icing over the top layer of the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
Step Eight
Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup of dark chocolate shavings over the icing. Your Black Forest Cake is now ready to be enjoyed!
