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Mini Black Forest Layer Cakes

Delightful individual cakes combining rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, perfect for any party or special occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cakes
Course: Birthday, Dessert, Party
Cuisine: American, German
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder Use quality cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 large egg Can use flax egg as a substitute for vegan version.
  • ½ cup milk Use dairy-free milk for a dairy-free option.
  • ½ cup hot coffee Can substitute with hot water.
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling and Toppings
  • 1 ½ cups cherry pie filling Homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream Coconut cream is a good dairy-free alternative.
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional tbsp cream cheese For stabilizing the whipped cream.
  • To taste Fresh cherries with stems for decoration
  • To taste Chocolate shavings or curls for topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour mini cake pans or use cupcake liners.
Baking
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
  2. Add the egg, milk, hot coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pans, filling each about halfway.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Let the cakes cool completely before removing them from the pans.
Assembling
  1. Once the cakes are cool, slice them horizontally to create two layers per cake.
  2. Place one layer on a serving plate. Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top and then a layer of whipped cream.
  3. Place the second layer on top and repeat the process.
  4. Top with more whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a fresh cherry for decoration.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. Lightly whip the cream to keep it fluffy and easily spreadable. If you want a more intense cherry flavor, add more cherry pie filling! You can switch up the flavors by using different fruit fillings or adding layers of ganache between the cake layers.