Dreamy Black Forest Loaf Cake Recipe: A Slice of Homemade Joy

Rich chocolate waves dance through this delectable black forest loaf cake that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of moist, decadent chocolate intertwine with luscious cherry notes for an irresistible treat.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe inspired this delightful creation, blending traditional German baking techniques with modern flair.

Silky ganache and tart cherries create a harmonious balance of flavors that will captivate your taste buds.

Dark cocoa powder ensures deep, intense chocolate essence throughout each tender slice.

Sweet whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense cake’s rich texture.

Trust me, this extraordinary dessert will become your new weekend baking obsession – one bite, and you’ll be completely enchanted.

Why Black Forest Loaf Cake Is Rich And Delicious

• Dive into Delightful Complexity: Crafted with multiple steps, this chocolate cherry cake offers a rewarding baking experience for those who love culinary challenges and want to explore their skills.
• Capture Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Combining rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and kirsch creates a sophisticated dessert that impresses guests and satisfies diverse palates with its elegant taste profile.
• Perfect for Celebratory Moments: Ideal for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or weekend gatherings, this decadent cake transforms ordinary moments into memorable celebrations with its luxurious presentation.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows home bakers to adjust ingredients, swap cherries, or modify chocolate intensity, making it a versatile dessert for creative cooking enthusiasts.

Black Forest Loaf Cake Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the chocolate cherry cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and create a soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake crumb.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps activate the leavening agents.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and warmth to the cake's flavor.
• Cherry Juice: Infuses a subtle cherry essence throughout the cake.

• Dark Chocolate Chips, Kirsch-Soaked Cherries, Powdered Sugar, Whipped Cream: Add layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the finished cake.

How To Make Black Forest Loaf Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous coating of butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure everything is light and clump-free for a silky smooth batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract
• Cherry juice

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and completely incorporated.

Step 4: Create Chocolate Batter

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir with a light touch to avoid overmixing – you want a uniform chocolate batter that’s tender and light.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold half of the dark chocolate chips into the batter. Save the remaining chips for a delicious topping.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly and tap the pan on the counter to eliminate any sneaky air bubbles.

Step 7: Top with Chocolate

Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips across the top of the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool Down

Remove from oven and let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Macerate Cherries

While cooling, soak fresh cherries in kirsch for an intense flavor boost.

Step 11: Finish and Decorate

Once cooled, drizzle the cake with kirsch-soaked cherries. Dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Step 12: Serve with Flair

Top with fluffy dollops of whipped cream right before serving to keep everything light and dreamy.

Helpful Tips For Black Forest Loaf Cake

• Prevent Lumps: Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, even chocolate batter without clumps.
• Mix Carefully: Fold wet and dry ingredients gently to maintain a light texture and avoid overmixing.
• Check Doneness: Use the toothpick test to confirm the cake is perfectly baked, looking for minimal crumbs.
• Enhance Flavor: Macerate cherries in kirsch for a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Serve Fresh: Add whipped cream and kirsch-soaked cherries just before serving to preserve optimal texture and freshness.

Fun Twists For Black Forest Loaf Cake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Cherry Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and replace vegetable oil with coconut oil. Choose dairy-free dark chocolate chips.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Cherry Bread: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar. Select sugar-free dark chocolate chips and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Cherry Loaf: Swap buttermilk with almond or oat milk. Use coconut cream for whipped topping and select dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate lactose-intolerant preferences.

Tasty Pairings For Black Forest Loaf Cake

• Craft Chocolate Cherry Liqueur Pairing
• Match this decadent chocolate cherry cake with kirsch-based cocktails or smooth red wines that complement its rich flavors.
• Serve Complementary Beverage
• Select a robust Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the cake's deep chocolate and cherry notes, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Garnish and Texture Partner
• Add mascarpone whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream to provide creamy contrast against the cake's dense chocolate structure.
• Temperature Contrast Technique
• Serve the slightly warm cake with chilled cream or cold ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture interplay that elevates each bite's sensory experience.

Storing Black Forest Loaf Cake Properly

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping cake moist and fresh by wrapping tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Slice cake completely, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months; thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Warm single slice on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to prevent drying out; add small dollop of whipped cream to restore moisture.
• Preheat oven to 300°F, place cake slice on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, warm for 5-7 minutes to maintain original texture and prevent burning.

Black Forest Loaf Cake Common Questions

• Why use buttermilk in this recipe?

Buttermilk adds moisture and creates a tender crumb, helping the cake stay soft and preventing dryness while enhancing the chocolate flavor.

• Can I substitute the kirsch?

Yes, you can use cherry liqueur, brandy, or simply skip it. The non-alcoholic version will still taste delicious with fresh cherries.

• How do I know when the chocolate cherry cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs and no wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.

• What type of chocolate chips work best for this recipe?

Dark chocolate chips provide the richest flavor and complement the cherries beautifully. Semi-sweet chips are a good alternative if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste.

Black Forest Loaf Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate layers infused with Black Forest Loaf Cake whisper delightful German dessert traditions. Kirsch-soaked cherries and luscious whipped cream elevate this classic treat, promising pure indulgence for chocolate enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cherry juice

Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup fresh cherries
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup kirsch (cherry liqueur)
• 1/2 cup whipped cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl to ensure smooth, lump-free dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and cherry juice until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring carefully to create a uniform chocolate batter without overmixing.
5. Fold in half of the dark chocolate chips into the batter, reserving the remaining chips for topping.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and tapping the pan to release any air bubbles.
7. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of the batter for added texture and flavor.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
9. Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. While cooling, macerate fresh cherries in kirsch for enhanced flavor.
11. Once completely cooled, drizzle cake with kirsch-soaked cherries and dust with powdered sugar.
12. Top with dollops of whipped cream just before serving to maintain its light, airy texture.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly version.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring a similar texture and taste.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• When folding batter, use a figure-eight motion with a spatula to minimize overmixing and prevent a dense, tough cake texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg