This Milk Bar-style Black Forest Naked Cake is my favorite! It’s loaded with cherries, whipped cream, and dark chocolate ganache, easy to make, and tastes incredible!

Growing up with my sister and mom, we loved baking together on special holidays. One of our favorite treats to make was the Black Forest Naked Cake. It’s a yummy cake with layers of chocolate cake, cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate ganache. We’d spend hours in the kitchen, laughing and having fun as we baked.

This cake holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of those happy times with my family. The smell of chocolate cake baking and the sight of juicy cherries simmering on the stove always bring back warm memories. Plus, the cake looks so pretty with its layers peeking out, ready to be enjoyed.

Today, I’m sharing my mom’s recipe for this delicious cake. Don’t worry, it’s easier to make than it seems! With each slice, you’ll taste the love and joy we put into making it. So gather your ingredients and let’s bake some sweet memories together!

Black Forest Naked Cake Ingredients

For the chocolate sheet cake:

• 115 g unsalted butter, room temperature
• 300 g caster sugar (US granulated sugar)
• 3 large eggs
• 120 ml buttermilk
• 60 ml sunflower or canola oil
• 3 tablespoons chocolate fudge sauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
• 130 g plain or all-purpose flour
• 15 g cornflour or cornstarch
• 70 g cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the cherry filling:

• 450 g fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 50 g caster sugar (US granulated sugar)
• 2 tablespoons cornflour or cornstarch

For the dark chocolate ganache:

• 80 g dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 60 ml double or heavy cream

For the cherry drizzle:

• 2 tablespoons kirsch (cherry liqueur) optional
• 4 tablespoons cherry juice

For the whipped cream filling:

• 480 ml double or heavy cream
• 5 tablespoons icing sugar or confectioner’s sugar

To assemble the cake:

• 10 fresh cherries for decoration optional
• Six-inch cake ring
• 20 inches of baking acetate

How to Make Black Forest Naked Cake

For the chocolate sheet cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan) and grease and line a 20cm x 30cm (12in x 8in) cake tin with baking parchment or greaseproof paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until well combined. Add the eggs and beat until mixed.
3. Mix the buttermilk, oil, chocolate fudge sauce, vanilla extract, and coffee granules in a separate bowl, and then add to the butter/sugar mixture. Beat well.
4. Sift the flour, cornflour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the bowl with the batter. Mix gently until just combined, then spoon the batter into the cake tin. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
5. Once baked, cool the cake in the tin for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the cherry filling:

1. Place the cherries, sugar, and cornflour into a saucepan and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Cool completely.

For the dark chocolate ganache:

1. Heat the chocolate chips and cream in the microwave until melted. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool.

For the cherry drizzle:

1. Mix the kirsch and cherry juice.

For the whipped cream filling:

1. Whip the cream and icing sugar until stiff peaks form.

To assemble the cake:

1. Cut the sheet cake into three pieces and assemble the bottom layer inside the cake ring.
2. Spoon cherry drizzle, ganache, cherry filling, and whipped cream onto the bottom layer.
3. Repeat the layers and place the cake in the freezer for 12 hours.
4. Remove the cake ring and acetate, and defrost in the fridge for four hours before serving. Top with fresh cherries if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for perfect Black Forest Naked Cake

Use those tips to get the perfect Result:

Moisture is Key: To ensure your chocolate cake layers are moist and tender, don’t overbake them. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cherry Preparation: When making the cherry filling, be sure to thoroughly pit the cherries and remove any stems. Additionally, allow the cherry filling to cool completely before assembling the cake to prevent it from melting the whipped cream layers.

Whipped Cream Stability: To ensure your whipped cream holds its shape and doesn’t deflate, make sure your cream, bowl, and beaters are well chilled before whipping. Additionally, consider stabilizing the whipped cream with a tablespoon of powdered sugar or a teaspoon of gelatin dissolved in water for extra stability.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Slice: Serve a generous slice of the cake on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Garnish with fresh cherries and a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.

Decadent Dessert Platter: Create a dessert platter featuring slices of Black Forest Naked Cake alongside other sweet treats such as chocolate truffles, berry compote, and vanilla ice cream. Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache over each slice for an extra indulgent touch.

Tea Time Treat: Enjoy a slice of the cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. Pair it with some whipped cream or vanilla custard for added richness and flavor.

Celebratory Spread: Serve the cake as the centerpiece of a celebratory dessert table at parties or gatherings. Accompany it with a selection of fresh fruit, cheese, and champagne for a sophisticated and memorable dessert experience.

How to Store

To store your Black Forest Naked Cake, refrigerate it in an airtight container or tightly cover it with plastic wrap. For short-term storage, keep it in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving, then let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This ensures freshness and optimal flavor.

Conclusion

the Black Forest Naked Cake is a delightful and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of moist chocolate cake, tangy cherry filling, fluffy whipped cream, and rich chocolate ganache, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is a wonderful choice. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating this masterpiece. With its rustic charm and heavenly flavors, the Black Forest Naked Cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

FAQ

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh ones for the Black Forest Cake filling?

• While fresh or frozen cherries are recommended for authenticity, canned cherries can be used as a convenient alternative.

Is instant coffee granules necessary for this chocolate cake recipe?

• Instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, but it can be omitted if desired without significantly affecting the taste.

Is there a non-alcoholic alternative for the cherry drizzle in the Black Forest Naked Cake recipe?

• You can omit the kirsch (cherry liqueur) from the drizzle and use additional cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache in this Black Forest Cake recipe?

• Yes, feel free to experiment with different chocolates, such as semi-sweet or dark chocolate, to customize the flavor of the ganache according to your preference.