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Hairy Bikers Black Forest Cake Recipe

Hairy Bikers Black Forest Cake Recipe

Craving chocolate cherry heaven? This Hairy Bikers Black Forest Cake Recipe wows. Rich layers and whipped cream and juicy cherries. Learn how to make Hairy Bikers Black Forest Cake at home.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine German-British
Servings 12
Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup kirsch liqueur
  • 2 cups pitted cherries fresh or jarred
  • 1 cup cherry jam
  • 4 oz dark chocolate shaved
  • 12 whole cherries
  • 1/4 cup chocolate ganache

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prep Pans

  • Heat oven 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch pans. Line bottoms parchment. Flour sides lightly. Perfect release guaranteed.

Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt. Big bowl needed. Sifting prevents lumps. Chocolate base ready.

Add Wet Ingredients

  • Beat eggs, milk, oil, vanilla. Pour into dry mix. Beat 2 minutes medium speed. Smooth batter forms.

Add Boiling Water

  • Slowly pour boiling water. Batter thin like heavy cream. Don't panic. Chocolate magic happens.

Bake Cake Layers

  • Divide batter evenly. Three pans. Bake 25-30 minutes. Toothpick clean center. Cool pans 10 minutes. Rack finish.

Make Kirsch Cherries

  • Mix cherries, cherry jam, 2 tbsp kirsch. Macerate 30 minutes. Juicy filling ready. Flavor deepens.

Whip Cream Frosting

  • Chill bowl, whisk. Whip cream, powdered sugar, 2 tbsp kirsch. Stiff peaks form. Pipe-ready perfection.

Assemble Cake

  • Level layers flat. Bottom layer plate. Pipe cream ring. Add cherries. Repeat layers. Top with final layer.

Frost and Decorate

  • Crumb coat first. Chill 15 minutes. Full cream coat. Pipe rosettes top. Shave chocolate sides. Cherry crowns.

Notes

  • Room temp ingredients mix smooth.
  • Boiling water blooms cocoa flavor.
  • Level cakes for stability.
  • Variation: Coffee instead kirsch.
  • Fresh cherries summer best.
  • Ganache drip sides dramatic.
  • Chill between layers stable.
  • Make cake day before filling.
Keyword Hairy Bikers Black Forest Cake Recipe