Go Back

Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

A rich and indulgent chocolate cake layered with whipped cream and cherries, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water Expect a thinner batter
For the Filling and Topping
  • 2 cups heavy cream, chilled Chilling helps achieve the best texture
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 jar maraschino cherries (about 16 ounces), drained and patted dry
  • to taste Chocolate shavings For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix everything at medium speed until well combined, about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the boiling water until incorporated.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick tests clean when inserted into the center.
  3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whipping Cream
  1. While the cake is cooling, whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Layering
  1. Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate, spread whipped cream on top, and scatter maraschino cherries.
  2. Place the second layer on top and repeat the process, using the remaining whipped cream to cover the entire cake.
  3. Finish with chocolate shavings for garnish.
Serving
  1. Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy with coffee or dessert wine.

Notes

To avoid soggy bottoms, cool the cakes completely before frosting. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for best whipped cream results. Consider adding almond extract for a different flavor.