Black Forest Cake (Schwarz Wald Torte)
Black Forest Cake, or Schwarz Wald Torte, is a classic German dessert featuring rich chocolate layers, whipped cream, and juicy cherry filling. Its indulgent flavors and light texture make it perfect for celebrations or special occasions, delighting chocolate and cherry enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, soda, and salt in a large bowl; stir until well mixed.
- Add shortening, eggs, milk, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
- Beat the mixture at low speed for 3 minutes until smooth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you want to make the cake lighter, consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Black Forest Cake chilled, topped with additional whipped cream and fresh cherries for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. This cake also goes well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Black Forest Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Forest Cake (Schwarz Wald Torte) contains roughly 314 calories, with 7g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 803mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Assemble the cake with whipped cream and cherries just before serving to maintain freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).