This black forest cake is called Schwarzwälderkirschtorte in German, which means Black Forest Cherry Torte or Gateau. This cake has multiple (usually 4) layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherries, and whipped cream. It is frosted with whipped cream and covered with chocolate shavings and a few cherries for decoration. Kirschwasser (cherry schnapps) is used to flavor the whipped cream. The bottom layers of sponge cake are also brushed with Kirschwasser to provide moisture and a little extra flavor. 

There are many other ideas on how the cake originally got its name. Some historians say that it is possible that the cake got its name from the traditional costume worn by women in the Black Forest. The dress was black (just like the chocolate flakes), the blouse is white (like the cream), and the hat has red pom-poms that look just like cherries.

I decided to forego the kirschwasser for this cake to make it kid friendly, and simplify the recipe to make it easier to make.  When I say simplify, I mean it has only 4 components!! This is the simplest and yummiest cake I have ever made! Continue reading →

White Chocolate ganache cake

A few months ago I had never heard of the word “ganache”.  Then little by little I started seeing the word ganache on a lot of cake recipes.  I finally took the time to research it and it sounded so yummy but really hard to make! I thought to myself that is just way to hard and time consuming I could never make it.  When I finally decided to give it a try I was so surprised! It is actually really easy to make and tastes sooooo much better then buttercream as a frosting on cakes! Nothing beats the decadent, indulgent taste and texture of chocolate ganache.  Made of pure chocolate and heavy cream, ganache is a chocolate lovers best friend! Its versatility as a glaze, decorative piping, and whipped cream answers the need for icing, frosting, and filling! Continue reading →

For me, there is nothing better then the combination of chocolate and peanut butter! I had a major craving for a chocolate and peanut butter cake on Sunday.  I found this delicious looking cake called “Heaven and Hell cake”.  It is made with Devils food cake, and Angel Food cake…hence the name! There is a thick filling of peanut butter filling, and it is topped with thick chocolate ganache! I can’t decide if this cake is pure sin and worth going to Hell for, or just plain Heavenly! lol Continue reading →

Who can deny the nostalgic summer flavors of orange and vanilla? The sweet song of the ice cream truck, as it slowly cruises through your neighborhood….running into the house to collect your coins and hoping to make it back outside before he is gone! That sweet bliss when you finally get your orange dreamsicle bar and sit with your sisters in the shade and enjoy the creamy orangy goodness!  Pure joy!!

Since I live in San Diego, the summer is still going on over here! But for those of you who are yearning for summer to last a little longer, this cake can help bring back the feelings of summer!

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