Black Forest “Chaos” Cake

Name: Black Forest "Chaos" Cake: Discover Its Irresistible Secrets!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 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; 1 jar (24 oz) Morello cherries, drained; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; ¼ cup powdered sugar; Chocolate shavings for garnish

Posted on December 5, 2025

DESSERT

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

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Servings

Introduction to Black Forest “Chaos” Cake

Welcome to the delightful world of the Black Forest “Chaos” Cake! If you’re like me, juggling a busy life while trying to whip up something special can feel overwhelming. This cake is a beautiful mess of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this cake will bring smiles and happy chaos to your table, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Black Forest “Chaos” Cake

This Black Forest “Chaos” Cake is a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. It’s quick to prepare, taking just over an hour from start to finish. The rich chocolate flavor paired with juicy cherries and fluffy whipped cream creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a showstopper at any gathering, making you the star of the dessert table without the stress!

Ingredients for Black Forest “Chaos” Cake

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Black Forest “Chaos” Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cake, providing structure and texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it rise, giving that delightful fluffiness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor; for a deeper taste, consider using dark chocolate cocoa.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise, creating a light and airy texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Whole milk: Contributes to the cake’s moistness and richness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and adds moisture; you can substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor.
Vanilla extract: A must-have for that warm, comforting flavor that complements the chocolate.
Boiling water: This may sound odd, but it helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor.
Morello cherries: These tart cherries add a burst of flavor and a beautiful contrast to the sweet cake.
Heavy whipping cream: Essential for that luscious whipped topping; it’s what makes this cake a true indulgence.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and helps stabilize it.
Chocolate shavings: For garnish, adding a touch of elegance and extra chocolatey goodness.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Black Forest “Chaos” Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for baking success! While the oven warms up, grab two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them well. I like to use a bit of vegetable oil or butter, ensuring every inch is covered. This will help the cakes slide out easily once they’re baked. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a cake that sticks to the pan!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is essential because it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. The last thing you want is a cake that rises unevenly! Take a moment to enjoy the rich chocolate aroma wafting up from the bowl.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, it’s time to add the wet ingredients! Crack in the large eggs, pour in the whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit thick; that’s perfectly normal! This mixture is where the magic begins, transforming dry ingredients into a luscious cake batter.

Step 4: Add Boiling Water

Here comes the secret weapon: boiling water! Carefully stir in one cup of boiling water into your batter. This step might seem odd, but it’s crucial for enhancing the chocolate flavor. The hot water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, making your cake rich and moist. Just be cautious while mixing; the batter will be hot, but that’s what makes it so delicious!

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! If not, give them a few more minutes. Once baked, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

After the cakes have cooled for a bit, it’s time to slice them! Carefully remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on the wire racks. Once cooled, take a serrated knife and slice each cake in half horizontally. This will give you four layers to work with. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; the chaos adds to the charm of this Black Forest “Chaos” Cake!

Step 7: Whip the Cream

Now, let’s make that luscious whipped cream! In a chilled mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. This should take just a few minutes. Be careful not to over-whip; you want it fluffy, not grainy! This creamy goodness will be the perfect complement to your chocolate and cherries.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

It’s time for the fun part—assembling your cake! Start with one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top, followed by a handful of drained Morello cherries. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, creating a beautiful tower of chocolate, cream, and cherries. Don’t be shy; let the chaos shine through!

Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Finally, it’s time to frost the top and sides of your cake with the remaining whipped cream. Use a spatula to smooth it out, making it look as pretty as you can. For the finishing touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the chocolate flavor. Your Black Forest “Chaos” Cake is now ready to be devoured!

Tips for Success

Always preheat your oven for even baking.
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for fluffier results.
Don’t skip the boiling water; it’s key for a moist cake.
Feel free to customize with different fruits or chocolate types!

Equipment Needed

Two 9-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13-inch pan for a single-layer cake)
Mixing bowls (a large one for dry ingredients and a medium one for wet)
Whisk or hand mixer (a whisk works well if you’re feeling adventurous!)
Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
Serrated knife for slicing the cakes

Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the whipped cream for an adult twist.
Incorporate a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for extra richness.
Try using fresh cherries instead of Morello cherries for a seasonal touch.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of some of the heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Black Forest “Chaos” Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Serve with a dollop of extra whipped cream on the side for those who love a creamy touch.
Complement with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.
For presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for a snowy effect.

FAQs about Black Forest “Chaos” Cake

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

What can I substitute for Morello cherries?

If you can’t find Morello cherries, feel free to use fresh cherries or even frozen ones. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid sogginess in your cake.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Black Forest “Chaos” Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days. Just be prepared for the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious!

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

For a stunning presentation, slice the cake and serve it on individual plates. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings and a dollop of whipped cream on top will make it look irresistible!

Final Thoughts

Creating the Black Forest “Chaos” Cake is more than just baking; it’s about bringing joy to your kitchen and your loved ones. The delightful combination of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream creates a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. Each slice is a celebration of life’s little moments, perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or simply a sweet treat after a long day. I hope this recipe inspires you to embrace the chaos and indulge in the deliciousness. Trust me, the smiles and happy memories you create will be worth every bit of effort!