Hairy Bikers Black Forest Cake Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Black Forest Cake Recipe is a rich and indulgent dessert, which includes black cherries and double cream. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 45 minutes plus chilling time.

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Hairy Bikers Black Forest Cake Recipe Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 200g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 100g all-purpose flour
• 100g cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 100ml whole milk

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 (400g) can black cherries, pitted, drained, juice reserved
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp kirsch (cherry brandy)

For the Cream Frosting:

• 600ml double cream
• 4 tbsp icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp kirsch

For Assembly:

• Chocolate shavings, for garnish
• Fresh cherries, for garnish

How To Make Hairy Bikers Black Forest Cake Recipe

1. Bake the chocolate cakes: Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C Fan / Gas 4). Grease and line two 20cm round tins. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, beat in eggs one at a time. Sift and fold in dry ingredients alternately with milk. Divide into tins and bake 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Make the cherry filling: In a saucepan, mix reserved cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in kirsch and drained cherries. Let cool.
3. Whip the cream frosting: Whisk double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Mix kirsch with water to create syrup for brushing.
4. Assemble the cake: Slice each cake into two layers for a total of four. Place the first layer on a plate, brush with kirsch syrup, spread cherry filling and whipped cream. Repeat with remaining layers, finishing with cream on top and sides.
5. Decorate and chill: Smooth or decorate the cake with cream. Add chocolate shavings to the sides, pipe rosettes on top, and garnish with cherries. Chill for 1-2 hours before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned? Yes, but you’ll need to pit and cook them with a bit of sugar and water.
• How to prevent over-whipping cream: Stop mixing as soon as soft peaks form to avoid a grainy texture.
• Can I skip the kirsch? You can replace it with cherry juice or another fruit liqueur for a non-alcoholic version.
• How to slice cake layers evenly: Use a serrated knife or cake leveler for clean, even cuts.
• Best way to apply chocolate shavings: Press gently onto the sides while rotating the cake for even coverage.

What To Serve With Black Forest Cake

This rich cake is a showstopper on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Espresso or strong black coffee
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Dessert wine or cherry liqueur

How To Store Black Forest Cake

Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Black Forest Cake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 55g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 40g
• Protein: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, prepare the cake a day ahead and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Why is my cake dry?
Overbaking can dry it out. Check for doneness at 25 minutes.

Can I use whipped topping instead of cream?
Real double cream gives better flavor and texture, but whipped topping can be used for convenience.

How do I keep layers from sliding?
Chill the cake after assembling or insert skewers for extra stability.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Banoffee Pie Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Cornish Pasty Recipe