Black Forest Cake(From Four Seasons Restaurant)
Black Forest Cake features rich chocolate layers, tart cherries, and whipped cream, creating a decadent dessert perfect for celebrations and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 5 whole eggs ⓘ
- 5 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa ⓘ
- 1/4 pound butter
- 1/2 cup Simple Syrup flavored with a drop of Kirsch ⓘ
- 1 pint whipped cream flavored with 2 Tbsp. Kirsch ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can pitted black Bing cherries ⓘ
- 2 oz. sweetened chocolate ⓘ
Instructions
- To prepare Simple Syrup, boil 1 cup sugar and 2 cups water for 5 minutes.
- Cool the Simple Syrup and flavor as desired, adding a drop of Kirsch.
- Preheat oven and prepare cake batter by mixing eggs, egg yolks, sugar, flour, baking powder, cocoa, and melted butter.
- Pour batter into a prepared cake pan and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely.
- Slice the cooled cake into layers if desired.
- Soak the cake layers with the flavored Simple Syrup.
- Spread whipped cream flavored with 2 Tbsp. Kirsch between layers and on top.
- Arrange drained black Bing cherries on top of the whipped cream.
- Decorate with sweetened chocolate shavings or grated chocolate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you don't have Kirsch, cherry juice can be used for soaking the cake layers. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before slicing; this will prevent it from crumbling. You can also use store-bought whipped cream to save time, but homemade is recommended for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Black Forest Cake with a dollop of extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated chocolate on the side for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a delightful afternoon treat, consider serving it alongside Madeleines (French Tea Cakes) or any of your favorite baked goods.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the Black Forest Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the cake is decorated, it’s best to consume it within a day to maintain the freshness of the whipped cream. For reheating, it's best enjoyed cold, but you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Forest Cake(From Four Seasons Restaurant) contains roughly 901 calories, with 10g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers in advance. Bake and cool them, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Soak and assemble the cake just before serving to keep the whipped cream fresh.
What can I use instead of pitted black Bing cherries?
If black Bing cherries are unavailable, you can substitute with other pitted cherries, such as Morello cherries, or use canned cherries in syrup. Adjust the sweetness of the cake if using sweeter cherries to maintain balance.
Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free Black Forest Cake by replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free, and check ingredients for any hidden gluten.
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).