Description
A rich and indulgent German dessert made with layers of moist chocolate cake, tart cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream, finished with chocolate shavings and whole cherries for a stunning presentation.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup hot water or brewed coffee
2 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or thawed frozen)
1/4 cup cherry juice or water
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: Chocolate shavings or curls
Optional: Whole cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet in stages, alternating with buttermilk. Stir in hot water or brewed coffee to make a thin batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
- While cakes cool, prepare the cherry filling: In a saucepan, combine cherries, cherry juice or water, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Let cool.
- Make the whipped cream by beating heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Slice each cake layer horizontally to create four layers in total.
- Layer cake, whipped cream, and cherry filling, repeating until all layers are stacked.
- Frost the entire cake with remaining whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings and whole cherries.
- Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving for best results.
Notes
Add a splash of kirsch to the cherry filling or sprinkle it on cake layers for a boozy twist.
Reduce sugar in cherry filling and whipped cream for a less sweet version.
Use canned or jarred cherries when fresh are not in season.
Store-bought cake layers or whipped topping can be used in a pinch.
To make gluten-free, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
