If thereโs a cake that screams indulgence, itโs the Ferrero Rocher Black Forest Cake. Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey sponge thatโs rich yet airy, soaked with a subtle kirsch syrup, layered with creamy Nutella, and crowned with chopped nuts and fresh cherries. Each forkful feels like a little piece of heaven. Trust me, this cake is a showstopper, perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just a treat-yourself moment.
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Recipe Origin
The Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwรคlder Kirschtorte, is a German classic known for its layers of chocolate sponge, cherries, and whipped cream, often spiked with kirsch. Here, we give it a Ferrero Rocher twistโNutella adds creamy hazelnut decadence, and the chopped nuts give it texture and extra flavor. Itโs a modern take on a timeless favorite, merging elegance with indulgence.
Kitchen Tools Youโll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Sieve for flour and cocoa powder
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9ร9 inch or similar cake pan
- Saucepan (for syrup)
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooling rack
- Serving plate or cake stand
Why Youโll Love Easy Ferrero Rocher Black Forest Cake
Showstopping Dessert: This cake looks luxurious and tastes even better, making it perfect for celebrations.
Flavor Explosion: Chocolate, hazelnut, cherries, and a hint of kirschโeach bite is a perfect balance of richness and freshness.
Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, the steps are straightforward, even for home bakers.
Customizable: Swap nuts, adjust sweetness, or add more cherries depending on your preference.
Crowd-Pleasing: Both kids and adults will be amazed by the depth of flavor and texture.
Chefโs Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Ensure all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and sour cream, are at room temperature.
- Sift your cocoa powder and flour to avoid lumps.
- Let the cake cool completely before layering with Nutella to prevent melting.
- Adjust kirsch to taste; you can skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Refrigerate for a few hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
Ingredients in Easy Ferrero Rocher Black Forest Cake
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cake.
Caster Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, airy texture when creamed with butter.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture.
Plain Flour: Forms the cakeโs structure.
Cocoa Powder: Gives a deep chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder & Salt: Help the cake rise and enhance the chocolate notes.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Kirsch Syrup: A sweet, slightly boozy syrup that keeps the cake moist and adds subtle cherry notes.
Nutella: Rich, creamy, and hazelnuttyโused as the luscious filling and topping.
Chopped Nuts: Add crunch and complement the Nutella flavor.
Fresh Cherries: For a pop of color and traditional Black Forest flavor.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Grease and line a 9ร9 inch cake pan.
Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, then eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet mixture.
Add Sour Cream: Fold in sour cream gently to maintain airiness.
Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack.
Prepare Kirsch Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in kirsch. Let cool.
Layer the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, brush with kirsch syrup generously. Spread Nutella evenly over the top. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
Finish with Cherries: Place fresh cherries on top, two per square once cut, for a classic Black Forest look.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares or triangles. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for maximum flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~450-500 (depending on Nutella and nuts)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Easy Ferrero Rocher Black Forest Cake
As a Dessert: Perfect for after-dinner indulgence, paired with coffee or tea.
For Celebrations: Garnish with extra nuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of Nutella for a party-ready presentation.
With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream elevates this cake to a decadent treat.
As a Gift: Slice into squares, wrap individually, and share with friends or neighbors.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Bake a day ahead; cake flavors deepen overnight.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Freeze slices for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Variations to Try
- Add a layer of whipped cream between the cake and Nutella.
- Use chocolate ganache instead of Nutella for a richer topping.
- Swap kirsch for cherry syrup if avoiding alcohol.
- Mix in toasted coconut or chocolate chips with the chopped nuts.
- Use maraschino cherries or cherry preserves for an extra fruity kick.
Additional Tips
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding Nutella to prevent melting.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Donโt overmix batter to keep the sponge light and fluffy.
- Toast the nuts lightly to enhance flavor.
- For an elegant look, pipe extra Nutella in swirls on top.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A1: Yes, substitute plain flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
Q2: Can I skip the kirsch?
A2: Absolutely! Use cherry syrup or a simple sugar syrup instead.
Q3: Can I use almond butter instead of Nutella?
A3: Yes, but the flavor will change slightly; it remains delicious.
Q4: Can I use frozen cherries?
A4: Yes, thaw and drain well before placing on the cake.
Q5: How long does this cake last?
A5: Store in an airtight container; best within 4 days in the fridge.
Q6: Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
A6: Yes! Bake in cupcake liners for about 18-20 minutes.
Q7: Can I use a different nut for topping?
A7: Certainly! Almonds, pecans, or walnuts all work beautifully.
Q8: Can I make the cake ahead of time?
A8: Yes, bake a day in advance; assemble with Nutella and nuts the next day.
Q9: Can I add a whipped cream layer?
A9: Yes, layer whipped cream between cake and Nutella for extra indulgence.
Q10: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A10: Use dairy-free butter, Nutella alternative, and plant-based sour cream.
Conclusion
Easy Ferrero Rocher Black Forest Cake is a showstopper that combines the best of chocolate, hazelnut, and cherry in every bite. Its rich flavor, indulgent texture, and stunning presentation make it perfect for celebrations or just treating yourself. Easy enough for home bakers, impressive enough for any gathering, this cake will quickly become a favorite. Slice, savor, and enjoy the decadent bliss that is Ferrero Rocher Black Forest Cake!
Easy Ferrero Rocher Black Forest Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 18 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European/Chocolate Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Ferrero Rocher Black Forest Cake combines a moist chocolate cake base with rich Nutella and hazelnut topping, enhanced by a kirsch syrup soak and fresh cherries for a decadent dessert perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 230 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 365 g caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 medium eggs, room temperature
- 215 g plain flour
- 75 g cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 240 g sour cream, room temperature
Kirsch Syrup
- 50 ml water
- 50 g caster sugar
- 4 tbsp kirsch (adjust to taste)
Ferrero Rocher Topping
- 400 g Nutella
- 40 g chopped nuts (hazelnuts or preferred nuts)
Finish
- 18 fresh cherries (2 per square once cut)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and line a square or rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the cake: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in sour cream until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35โ40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the kirsch syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and stir in kirsch.
- Brush cooled cake generously with kirsch syrup.
- Prepare topping: Spread Nutella evenly over the soaked cake and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Cut into squares and top each with 2 fresh cherries.
- Serve and enjoy your decadent Ferrero Rocher Black Forest Cake!
Notes
- Adjust kirsch to taste or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Chill cake slightly before cutting to prevent Nutella from spreading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg