Forktionary

Black Forest Gateau Recipe

Indulge in the rich, decadent delight of a homemade Black Forest Gateau! This classic dessert, easier to make than you think, boasts layers of moist chocolate cake, luscious whipped cream, and juicy cherries, all kissed with a hint of Kirsch. Follow our simple step-by-step recipe and prepare to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping masterpiece. Get ready to make this again and again!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 78 mins
Calories 854.1 kcal
Protein 24g
Rating 3.3 (3 Reviews)
Black Forest Gateau 17

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Black Forest Gateau

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Black Forest Gateau? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Black Forest Gateau

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour three 8-inch diameter round cake pans.
  3. Combine 4 large eggs, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until pale and thick (5-7 minutes).
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour and ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, gently folding until just combined.
  5. Stir in ½ cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter.
  6. Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 5 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Once cool, prick each cake layer with a fork and brush with 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry brandy, optional).
  10. In a chilled bowl, beat 2 cups heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until stiff peaks form.
  11. To assemble: Spread about ⅓ of the whipped cream on the first cake layer. Top with ½ cup drained black cherries.
  12. Spread a little less than ½ of the remaining cream on the second layer. Top with the remaining cherries and place on top of the first layer.
  13. Top with the final cake layer.
  14. Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
  15. Dust a serving plate with powdered sugar. Carefully transfer the cake to the plate.
  16. Garnish the sides with ½ cup grated semi-sweet chocolate and decorate with chocolate curls and fresh cherries.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

10 g

Sugar

237g

Fat

173g

Carbs

26g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion Desserts Eggs Dairy Fruit Dinner Party Heirloom Historical Holiday Event Kid Friendly Cakes Easter Chocolate Dietary Gifts Christmas New Years Thanksgiving Cake Fillings And Frostings Independence Day Valentines Day Pitted Fruit Cherries Brunch Superbowl Mardi Gras Carnival 4 Hours Or Less