Black Forest Cake

Black Forest Cake

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 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 cups pitted and halved cherries (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

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

For Decoration:

• 1/2 cup grated dark chocolate
• Maraschino cherries

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
   • Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
   • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and water.
   • Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices, about 5 minutes.
   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to make a slurry.
   • Add the slurry to the cherry mixture and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
   • Spread a layer of whipped cream frosting over the cake.
   • Spoon the cherry filling over the whipped cream.
   • Place the second cake layer on top.
   • Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
   • Decorate the top with grated dark chocolate and maraschino cherries.
5. Chill the Cake:
   • Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.

Enjoy your delicious Black Forest Cake!