Certainly! While there are many variations of chocolate cake and Swiss desserts, I’ll assume you are referring to a classic Swiss chocolate cake known as “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte” or Black Forest Cake. This delicious cake is made with layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, cherries, and Kirsch (a type of cherry brandy).
Here’s a basic recipe for a traditional Black Forest Cake:
Ingredients:
For the chocolate sponge cake:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the filling and decoration:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (about 20 ounces) pitted sour cherries, drained (reserve the juice)
- 1/4 cup Kirsch (cherry brandy)
For the chocolate shavings (optional):
- 4 ounces dark chocolate (semi-sweet or bittersweet)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until well combined.
- Divide the batter equally between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the filling and decoration. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, carefully slice each cake horizontally into two layers, creating a total of four layers.
- Mix the Kirsch with the reserved cherry juice. Moisten each cake layer with a few tablespoons of the Kirsch mixture.
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top, followed by a layer of cherries. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, leaving some whipped cream for the final decoration.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream. You can also pipe rosettes around the edges if desired.
- If you’d like to add chocolate shavings for decoration, use a vegetable peeler to shave curls from the dark chocolate, and sprinkle them on top of the cake.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Your Black Forest Cake, or “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte,” is now ready to be enjoyed! Keep in mind that this is a classic recipe, and there are numerous variations and adaptations you can try to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!
