How to Make It Black Forest Cake: Step-by-Step
Step 1 – Make the Chocolate Sponge
Beat the egg yolks with hot water and sugar until very pale, thick, and creamy, around 4 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer. Sift the dry ingredients over the top, whip your egg whites to stiff peaks separately, then fold everything together gently with a spatula. Pour straight into your springform pan and bake immediately.
Step 2 – Make the Cherry Compote
Drain your cherries and reserve the juice, topping it up with water to reach 2 cups. Mix a few tablespoons with cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla to make a smooth paste, bring the rest to a boil, then whisk the paste in. Cook until thickened, stir in the cherries, and cool completely before using
Step3 – Slice and fill
Once the sponge is completely cool, slice it into three even layers. Pipe a ring of whipped cream around the edge of the bottom layer to act as a border, then spread half the cherry filling inside. Repeat with the second layer and the remaining filling.
Step 4 – Decorate and Cover
Place the third sponge layer on top and cover the whole cake generously with whipped cream, top and sides. Pipe cream rosettes on top, place a cherry on each one, and finish with a scatter of chocolate shavings all over. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.