Introduction to Black Forest Bliss Cake

Welcome to the world of indulgence with my Black Forest Bliss Cake! If you’re anything like me, you know that life can get hectic, and sometimes, we need a little slice of joy to brighten our day. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate. With its rich chocolate layers, luscious cherry filling, and creamy buttercream, it’s perfect for impressing loved ones or simply treating yourself after a long week. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this cake is a must-have for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Bliss Cake

This Black Forest Bliss Cake is a delightful combination of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even for novice bakers. The rich chocolate cake pairs perfectly with the tart cherry filling, creating a balance that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a showstopper for any gathering, ensuring you’ll be the star of the dessert table. Who wouldn’t love that?

Ingredients for Black Forest Bliss Cake

Let’s dive into the delicious components that make up this Black Forest Bliss Cake. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cake, providing structure and stability.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds a rich chocolate flavor, making every bite heavenly.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! It helps balance the tartness of the cherries.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure our cake rises beautifully.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, making them pop.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Vegetable oil: This keeps the cake moist and tender.
Buttermilk: It adds a tangy flavor and helps create a soft crumb.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the cake.
Hot coffee: It intensifies the chocolate flavor, making it richer. You can also use hot water if you prefer.
Fresh or frozen cherries: The star of the show! They provide that delightful tartness.
Sugar (for cherry filling): This sweetens the cherries, balancing their natural tartness.
Lemon juice: A splash brightens the cherry filling, enhancing its flavor.
Cornstarch: This thickens the cherry filling, giving it a luscious texture.
Unsalted butter: Essential for the creamy chocolate buttercream that tops our cake.
Powdered sugar: This sweetens the buttercream and gives it that smooth consistency.
Cocoa powder (for buttercream): Adds a rich chocolate flavor to the frosting.
Heavy cream: This helps achieve a fluffy and spreadable buttercream.
Semi-sweet chocolate: Used for the ganache, it adds a luxurious finish to the cake.
Fresh cherries and chocolate shavings: These are optional but make for stunning decorations!

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Black Forest Bliss Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab two 8-inch cake pans and grease them well. I like to use a bit of butter or cooking spray to ensure the cakes slide out easily later. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for extra insurance. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that delicious cake!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is crucial because it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your Black Forest Bliss Cake that perfect rise. Plus, the aroma of cocoa will make your kitchen smell heavenly!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Crack in the eggs, pour in the vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Using a whisk, mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Don’t be afraid to get a little elbow grease in there! This mixture will create a moist and flavorful base for your cake, making every bite a delight.

Step 4: Incorporate Hot Coffee

Here comes the secret weapon: hot coffee! Slowly pour in the hot coffee (or hot water) into your batter. This step is essential because it enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more decadent. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly normal. Just give it a gentle stir until everything is combined, and you’re ready for the next step!

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is key; we want them completely cool before frosting!

Step 6: Prepare Cherry Filling

While the cakes are cooling, let’s whip up that cherry filling. In a saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices. Once bubbling, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken it up. Cook until it’s glossy and thick, then set it aside to cool completely. This filling is the cherry on top of your Black Forest Bliss Cake!

Step 7: Make the Buttercream

Now, let’s create that luscious chocolate buttercream. In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter for about three minutes until it’s pale and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Then, pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until it’s light and spreadable. This buttercream is rich and creamy, perfect for layering and frosting your cake!

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

It’s time for the fun part—assembling your Black Forest Bliss Cake! Start with one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of buttercream on top, then spoon a generous amount of cherry filling over it. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining buttercream. For a show-stopping finish, pour the chocolate ganache around the edges and top with fresh cherries and chocolate curls. Enjoy the masterpiece!

Tips for Success

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Don’t skip the cooling time; frosting a warm cake can lead to a melty mess.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
For a fun twist, add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry filling.
Keep your buttercream fluffy by adding heavy cream gradually.

Equipment Needed

Two 8-inch round cake pans (you can use 9-inch pans if that’s what you have).
Mixing bowls (a large one for dry ingredients and a medium one for wet).
Whisk (a hand mixer works great too!).
Rubber spatula (for scraping down the sides).
Wire rack (to cool the cakes).

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of buttermilk and opt for dairy-free butter for the frosting.
Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based butter and milk.
Cherry Alternatives: Swap cherries for raspberries or strawberries for a different fruity twist.
Chocolate Variations: Experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate in the buttercream for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Black Forest Bliss Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the cake’s richness.
For drinks, consider a glass of sweet red wine or a rich coffee.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Present on a beautiful cake stand to showcase its stunning layers.

FAQs about Black Forest Bliss Cake

Can I make Black Forest Bliss Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

What can I use instead of cherries?

If cherries aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out! Raspberries or strawberries work beautifully in this Black Forest Bliss Cake, adding a different fruity twist while still keeping that delightful tartness.

How do I store leftovers?

To keep your Black Forest Bliss Cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it won’t last that long!

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake! Just make sure it’s completely cooled and wrapped well in plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

For the ultimate experience, serve your Black Forest Bliss Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It adds a lovely creaminess that complements the rich chocolate and tart cherries perfectly!

Final Thoughts

Creating this Black Forest Bliss Cake is more than just baking; it’s about crafting a moment of joy. Each layer tells a story, from the rich chocolate cake to the vibrant cherry filling. It’s a dessert that brings people together, whether for a birthday, holiday, or just because. I love watching faces light up with the first bite, and I hope you experience that joy too. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let this cake be the centerpiece of your next celebration. Trust me, it’s a slice of happiness you won’t want to miss!

Black Forest Bliss Cake: Discover the Ultimate Recipe!

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Claire Weston
Total Time: 1 hour + cooling
Yield: 8–12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A decadent Black Forest Bliss Cake featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, cherry filling, and creamy chocolate buttercream, perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
2 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup (180ml) hot coffee (or hot water)
2 cups (350g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
½ cup (100g) sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temp
2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar
½ cup (50g) cocoa powder
2–4 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla
¾ cup (120g) semi-sweet chocolate
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
Fresh cherries for topping
Chocolate shavings or curls for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch pans.
Mix dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt.
Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla → whisk until smooth.
Slowly pour in hot coffee (batter will be thin).
Divide into pans and bake 28–32 minutes.
Cool completely.
In a saucepan, heat cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Simmer until cherries release juice.
Stir in cornstarch slurry → cook until thick and glossy.
Cool fully.
Beat butter 3 minutes until pale.
Add powdered sugar + cocoa → beat.
Add cream + vanilla until fluffy and spreadable.
Heat cream, pour over chocolate, stir until silky. Cool slightly.
Place first cake layer.
Spread a thin layer of buttercream.
Spoon a thick layer of cherry filling.
Add second cake layer.
Frost the top and optionally the sides.
Pour ganache drip around edges.
Top with fresh cherries + chocolate curls.

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: German

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg