Named after the cherry liquor found in Germany’s Black Forest region, this cake is typically comprised of chocolate cake that have been soaked in Kirsch and layered with whipped cream and cherries. Ratino’s deconstructed version features cherries that have been soaked in a combination of Luxardo, amaretto and Kirsch liqueurs—here’s how to make it at home. Presented in partnership with Gaggenau.
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Serves 6 - 8
Ingredients
Black Forest Chocolate Cake
Courtesy of Ryan Ratino, chef-owner of Bresca and JôntServes 6 - 8
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/5 cups cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 6 whole eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup olive oil
- Macerated cherries, recipe below
- Whipped double cream, recipe below
- 2 tablespoons grated dark chocolate, for garnish
Method
- Preheat oven to 330˚F.
- Mix all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt) and all wet ingredients (eggs, milk and olive oil) in separate bowls.
- Place dry ingredients in a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and turn mixer to low; slowly add wet ingredients until well-incorporated. Pour into a cake pan and bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Once cooled, cut into cubes.
- For assembly, place 2 or 3 pieces of cake on a plate and top with 5 or 6 macerated cherries, a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with grated dark chocolate.
Double Cream
Ingredients- 2 cups heavy cream
- One 6ozjar Devonshire double cream
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Whip all ingredients until medium peaks form; reserve over ice.
Macerated Cherries
Ingredients- 3/4 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup Luxardo liqueur
- 1/4 cup amaretto
- 1/4 cup Kirsch (can be substituted with any cherry brandy)
- 1 cup cherries, pitted
Method
Place sugar and liqueurs in a saucepot and bring to a boil over medium heat, cooking off the alcohol for 1 minute. Pour over cherries and reserve in refrigerator for 24 hours.
Bresca and Jônt chef-owner Ryan Ratino
All photos © Rey Lopez
All photos © Rey Lopez
Presented in partnership with Gaggenau
