Black Forest Cherry Dome Cake
Yield8 servings
Prep1 hour 30 minutes
Bake25 minutes
Chill4 hours
LevelIntermediate
Texture goal
A smooth, creamy chocolate mousse with a gooey cherry center and a fudgy brownie base.
Indulge in a Black Forest Cherry Dome Cake, a stunning dessert with rich chocolate mousse, a cherry compote center, and a fudgy brownie base. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shards, it's a showstopper for any occasion.
Why you'll want it now, Chocolate and cherries come together in a luxurious, dome-shaped dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Why this recipe works
This cake combines the classic flavors of Black Forest with a modern twist. The chocolate mousse is light yet rich, while the cherry compote adds a tart contrast. The brownie base provides a fudgy foundation, and the whipped cream and chocolate shards add texture and visual appeal.
Equipment
- 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan
- 9-inch (23 cm) dome mold
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
How to make it
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely on a rack.
- For the cherry compote, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Cool completely.
- For the chocolate mousse, melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Cool slightly.
- Whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Fold in the melted chocolate until combined.
- To assemble, fill the dome mold halfway with chocolate mousse. Add a spoonful of cherry compote in the center and cover with more mousse, leaving space for the brownie base.
- Place the cooled brownie on top of the mousse, pressing gently. Chill for at least 4 hours or until set.
- For the whipped cream, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Unmold the dome cake onto a serving platter and top with whipped cream. Decorate with chocolate shards.
- To make chocolate shards, melt chocolate chips and spread thinly on parchment paper. Once set, break into shards.
Enjoy this Black Forest Cherry Dome Cake, a dessert that's as delightful to eat as it is to behold. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat.
How you'll know it's ready
The brownie base is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. The mousse should be set and firm to the touch after chilling.
Convection oven? (and if you don't have one)
For standard ovens, the written temperature is perfect. If using a convection oven, reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and check the brownie a few minutes early.
Frosting, filling & glaze notes
The whipped cream should hold stiff peaks and the chocolate shards should snap easily once set.
