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Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte

A classic layered dessert combining chocolate sponge cake, tart cherries, whipped cream, and cherry brandy. Finished with dark chocolate shavings for a decadent balance of flavors.

75 minHardServes 12450 cal/serving

GermanDessertOven and StovetopVegetarianNut-FreePork-FreeLow-SodiumNightshade-Free

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 24 oz pitted sour cherries, drained
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 6 tbsp Kirschwasser cherry brandy
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 4 oz dark chocolate block, shaved

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whip 6 separated large eggs yolks with half of the 1 cup granulated sugar until pale, then fold in 1.5 cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sifted unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 tsp baking powder.

  2. 2

    Whip the whites of 6 separated large eggs with remaining 1 cup granulated sugar to stiff peaks, fold into batter, bake at 350F for 30 minutes, and slice into three layers once cooled.

  3. 3

    Simmer reserved juice from 24 oz drained pitted sour cherries with 2 tbsp cornstarch until thickened, stir in cherries and 2 tablespoons of 6 tbsp Kirschwasser cherry brandy, then let cool.

  4. 4

    Whip 3 cups chilled heavy whipping cream with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of 6 tbsp Kirschwasser cherry brandy until firm peaks form.

  5. 5

    Drizzle sponge layers with remaining 6 tbsp Kirschwasser cherry brandy, assemble with cherry filling and whipped cream, then garnish with 4 oz shaved dark chocolate block.

Questions

Can I make Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 3 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled. Swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk or an oat cooking cream. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, sifted. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte keep?

Store it airtight: two to three days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated. It freezes for up to two months; thaw at room temperature.

Can I halve or double Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte?

Yes. As written it serves 12. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, split it across two pans and rotate them halfway; one crowded pan bakes unevenly.

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