Black Forest Cake
All Foods • India
How to Make Black Forest Cake (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Black Forest Cake is a beloved treat in India, often seen at birthday parties, weddings, and festive celebrations such as New Year and Christmas. While its name traces back to European roots, the cake has found a special place in Indian bakeries and home kitchens, adapted to suit local tastes and vegetarian diets. Classic Black Forest Cake combines airy cocoa sponge layers, whipped cream, and cherries, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. In India, this cake is often made with 'atta' (whole wheat flour) instead of maida for a healthier touch and includes fresh, seasonal cherries or locally available jarred cherries for authenticity. The popularity of Black Forest Cake in India spans metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where it is a bakery staple, as well as smaller towns, where homemade cakes are gaining traction during festivals and family gatherings. Indian home bakers love customizing this cake to make it healthier and align with vegetarian preferences by using milk, curd (dahi), or vegetable oil instead of eggs and butter. Its taste, a delightful mix of bittersweet chocolate, soft sponge, and sweet-tart cherries, makes it a favorite snack or dessert for all age groups. Whether enjoyed during Diwali parties or as a treat after a hearty meal, Black Forest Cake brings people together with its irresistible taste and festive appeal.
Ingredients(for 1 generous slice (about 120g))
- 1 cup Whole wheat flour (atta)
- 3 tbsp Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup Jaggery powder (gur)
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 cup Fresh curd (dahi)
- 1/2 cup Milk (toned or low-fat)
- 1/4 cup Vegetable oil (neutral, like sunflower)
- 1 tsp Vanilla essence
- 1/2 cup Cherries (fresh or jarred, deseeded)
- 1 cup Whipped cream (low-fat, dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tbsp Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a small cake tin with parchment paper.
5 minutes
Use olive oil or ghee for greasing for extra flavor.
- 2
In a large bowl, sift atta, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well to combine.
3 minutes
Sifting prevents lumps and ensures an even texture.
- 3
In another bowl, whisk together dahi, milk, jaggery powder, vegetable oil, and vanilla essence until smooth.
3 minutes
Make sure jaggery is finely powdered for easy blending.
- 4
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing gently. Do not over-mix; just combine until smooth.
2 minutes
A folding motion helps keep the cake fluffy.
Why This Dish is Healthy
Our healthy Black Forest Cake recipe is a great choice for those tracking calories, thanks to fiber-rich atta and natural sweetener jaggery. Lower-fat dairy and oil keep saturated fats minimal, while cherries and dark chocolate add micronutrients and antioxidants. This vegetarian snack supports balanced nutrition without compromising on flavor or indulgence, perfect for festive occasions and everyday treats.
This Black Forest Cake uses atta (whole wheat flour) and jaggery, making it rich in dietary fiber, iron, and complex carbohydrates compared to traditional maida and refined sugar variants. Curd adds gut-friendly probiotics and protein, while cherries provide antioxidants and vitamin C. Using low-fat milk and whipped cream reduces saturated fat, making it suitable for calorie-conscious diets. Cocoa offers magnesium and polyphenols, supporting heart health.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Chill the cake layers before assembling for easier handling.
- 💡Tip 2: Use seasonal Indian cherries for the freshest flavor.
- 💡Tip 3: Whip cream in a cold bowl for maximum volume and stability.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to preserve flavor. Whipped cream may separate after 48 hours, so consume fresh.
Best served: Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 280.0 kcal |
