black forest cake - my way
I have always had a love for the Black Forest Cake but as I tried it many times through the years, it just wasn't quite hitting that scrumptious point. I knew by deconstructing the cake I could make the best Black Forest Cake by using my own recipes for the components of this famous cake. And, I did. It's luscious, decadent, and, most importantly, memorable. I strive to make all my desserts and other dishes not only appealing to the eye but satisfying to moment in time one is enjoying it. Truly a memorable event.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
What a fantastic Black Forest Cake. The cake itself has a mild chocolate taste. By adding the luscious chocolate ganache to the base of the cake, you get that rich chocolate flavor you're looking for. Cherries on top add another dimension of sweet flavor. Homemade whipped cream cuts some of the richness. Making this a one layer cake makes you feel a little less guilty when you go back for a second slice.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 - egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup water
- AFTER THE CAKE COMES THE GANACHE
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- CHERRIES
- 2 cans dark cherries in syrup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- WHIPPING CREAM
- 1/2 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
How To Make black forest cake - my way
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Step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease and line an 8" cake pan with parchment paper. -
Step 2To make the cake - In a mixer or by hand cream the sugars and egg. Add the oil and buttermilk and mix well.
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Step 3Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to creamed mixture along with the vanilla and mix a bit.
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Step 4In a small bowl mix cocoa with the 1/4 c water until blended. Add to the cake batter. Mix well but do not overmix.
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Step 5Add batter to the pan and bake 30 minutes or until tests clean with a toothpick.
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Step 6Let rest for 10 minutes and turn on to rack too cool. This can be done ahead of time if desired, even up to a day.
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Step 7To make the ganache - In a medium saucepan combine the heavy cream, butter, and sugar. Bring to just under a boil on medium-low heat. Do not boil, however. Turn off the heat. Add the chocolate chips and let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk briskly until smooth and shiny. Set aside or refrigerate for later. When ready to use, microwave a little bit (start with 20 seconds) to loosen the ganache so it is pourable.
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Step 8To make cherries - In a medium saucepan add the two cans of cherries and their juices. Mix the cornstarch with the water until dissolved. Add to the cherries and turn the heat on to medium. The mixture will thicken as the cherries get hot and approach their boiling point. If too thick just add a bit more water, If too thin, add a little more cornstarch to cold water in a cup and add a little at a time until you reach an acceptable thickness to your liking. Add more sugar if desired.
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Step 9To make the whipped cream - Whip cold cream on high until soft peaks form. Then add the powdered sugar and beat until a nice medium peak.
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Step 10To assemble individually - Make a small pool of ganache on the bottom of the dessert plate followed by a nice slice of the chocolate cake, then a spoonful of the cherries, and finish with whip cream on top. Optional - A bit of shaved chocolate on top is nice or some processed cookie crumbs for a grand finale if desired.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
