The Ultimate Black Forest Cake

 

Black Forest Midnight Cake: Decadent Dark Chocolate Cherry Masterpiece for Elegant Celebrations

Experience the ultimate indulgence with this stunning Black Forest Midnight Cake! Deep, moist dark chocolate cake layers are soaked in cherry kirsch syrup, filled with tart morello cherry compote and luxurious whipped cream, then shrouded in rich chocolate ganache and adorned with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries. This dramatic, midnight-inspired twist on the classic German Black Forest gateau is perfect for birthdays, holidays, New Year's Eve, or any sophisticated gathering where you want a cake that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

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Searching for the best Black Forest cake recipe or a luxurious midnight chocolate cherry cake? This version elevates the traditional with intense cocoa flavors, boozy cherry soak (or non-alcoholic option), and a glossy ganache finish for that dramatic "midnight" allure.

Why You'll Love This Black Forest Midnight Cake

• Intensely Rich Flavor: Bold dark chocolate paired with tangy cherries and light whipped cream – a perfect balance.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: Dark exterior with chocolate curls and glossy cherries creates an elegant, moody vibe.
• Classic with a Twist: Kirsch-infused for authenticity, but easily made alcohol-free.
• Impressive Yet Doable: From-scratch layers with pro tips for flawless assembly.

This recipe makes three 8-inch layers, serving 12-16. Prep time: 60 minutes | Bake time: 30-35 minutes | Total time: 4 hours (including cooling and chilling).

Ingredients for the Black Forest Midnight Cake

Dark Chocolate Cake Layers:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened dark cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee (enhances chocolate depth)

Cherry Filling & Soak:

• 4 cups (600g) pitted morello or sour cherries (fresh, frozen, or jarred)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) kirsch (cherry liqueur) or cherry juice for non-alcoholic
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 3 cups (720ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache & Decor:

• 8 oz (226g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Chocolate shavings (from a dark chocolate bar)
• Fresh cherries for topping

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Dark Chocolate Layers

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch pans.

Whisk dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry, then stir in hot coffee.

Divide batter; bake 30-35 minutes until toothpick-clean. Cool completely.

2. Prepare Cherry Filling & Syrup

Drain cherries, reserving juice. Mix ½ cup juice with kirsch (or more juice). Simmer remaining juice, sugar, cornstarch, and cherries until thickened. Cool.

3. Make Whipped Cream

Whip cold cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks. Keep chilled.

4. Chocolate Ganache

Heat cream to simmer; pour over chopped chocolate. Stir smooth. Cool to pouring consistency.

5. Assemble the Midnight Cake

Level layers. Brush generously with cherry syrup.

Place one layer; spread whipped cream, then cherry filling. Repeat. Top with third layer.

Frost entire cake with whipped cream (semi-naked or full for midnight look). Chill 30 minutes.

Pour ganache over top, letting it drip dramatically down sides. Chill to set.

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Cover sides and top with chocolate shavings. Pipe whipped cream rosettes; top with fresh cherries.

Tips for the Perfect Black Forest Midnight Cake

• Dark Cocoa: Use Dutch-process or black cocoa for the deepest "midnight" color.
• Cherry Options: Jarred morello cherries in syrup for convenience and authentic tang.
• Alcohol-Free: Replace kirsch with cherry juice and a splash of almond extract.
• Make Ahead: Bake layers and make filling 1-2 days ahead. Assemble day-of.
• Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days (whipped cream best fresh). Serve at room temp for soft texture.
• Variations: Add gold leaf or edible glitter for a glamorous midnight sparkle.

This Black Forest Midnight Cake is pure decadence – rich, fruity, and utterly captivating. It's destined to be the star of your next celebration. Save this recipe and indulge in timeless elegance! 🍒🍫✨