Black Forest Cake 🍒🍫🍰

Black Forest Cake 🍒🍫🍰

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cans (14 oz each) pitted cherries in juice, drained (reserve juice)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup reserved cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 3 cups heavy cream, chilled
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Maraschino cherries

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

Make the Chocolate Cake Layers:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined (the batter will be thin).
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Cherry Filling:

In a saucepan, combine the drained cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, reserved cherry juice, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
Remove from heat and let the cherry filling cool completely.
Make the Whipped Cream Frosting:

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cake:

Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of whipped cream frosting over the cake layer.
Spoon a layer of cherry filling over the frosting.
Repeat with the remaining cake layers, whipped cream frosting, and cherry filling.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream frosting.
Garnish:

Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate shavings or curls and maraschino cherries.
Chill and Serve:

Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Slice and serve the delicious Black Forest cake, and enjoy!
Tips:
For best results, use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
Make sure the heavy cream for the frosting is well chilled before whipping.
If desired, you can add a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy) to the cherry filling for extra flavor.
Indulge in the rich and decadent layers of this classic Black Forest cake – it's a true delight for chocolate and cherry lovers alike! 🍒🍫🍰