Black Prince Chocolate Cherry Cake

Name: Black Prince Chocolate Cherry Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 10 to 12 slices
Cuisine: Eastern European-inspired
Ingredients: 250 g all-purpose flour; 35 g unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp fine salt; 3 whole large eggs, room temperature; 250 g granulated sugar; 240 ml plain kefir; 100 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 200 g unsalted butter, softened, for frosting; 300 g sweetened condensed milk; 200 g pitted cherries, drained, optional; 50 g dark chocolate, grated

Soft cocoa cake layers with tangy kefir, condensed-milk buttercream and optional cherries.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 4 hrMakes 10 to 12 slices

Jump to Recipe

Black Prince cake is a tender cocoa layer cake often made with a tangy cultured-milk batter and a simple buttercream. The source uses kefir and baking soda but gives no acid balance or cake-pan size; this version measures the soda and adds a little baking powder for reliable lift. The cherries are treated as an optional filling rather than mixed into the batter, so the layers bake evenly. Cool the cake completely before frosting with condensed-milk buttercream, then chill it to set before slicing. Heat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 20 cm round cake pans. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Beat eggs and sugar until pale. Beat in kefir, melted butter and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients just until smooth.

How to tell when it is ready

Cake centres spring back and a tester comes out with a few moist crumbs; layers cool fully before frosting.

Tips

Bring eggs and kefir to room temperature.
Mix the batter only until smooth.
Drain cherries before layering.
Chill the cake before cutting.

Troubleshooting

If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
If browning too quickly, lower the heat and cover loosely.

Substitutions

Use a similar neutral cooking oil.
Choose a suitable dairy-free alternative where practical.

Variations

Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Add a suitable seasonal ingredient without changing the cooking cues.

Serving suggestions

Serve with fresh cherries.
Pair with coffee.
Add lightly whipped cream.
Offer small slices after dinner.

Make ahead

Prepare suitable components ahead and store them safely. Keep covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; bring slices to cool room temperature before serving.

Storage

Keep covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; bring slices to cool room temperature before serving.

Food safety

Contains eggs and dairy. Refrigerate frosted cake within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Keep cherries drained to avoid a slippery filling.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare suitable components ahead, chill them promptly and finish the dish shortly before serving.

How should I store black prince chocolate cherry cake?

Keep covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; bring slices to cool room temperature before serving.

Serve with fresh cherries. Keep covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; bring slices to cool room temperature before serving.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Black Prince Chocolate Cherry Cake