Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 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 Filling:
- 1 pound (about 4 cups) fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup cherry jam
- 1/4 cup Kirsch (cherry schnapps)
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well combined. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
3. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a small saucepan, heat the cherry jam over low heat until it becomes liquid. Remove from heat and stir in the Kirsch. Let it cool. Spread the cherry jam mixture over one of the cooled cake layers. Arrange the fresh cherry halves evenly over the jam.
5. Assemble the Cake: Place the second cake layer on top of the cherries.
6. Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
7. Frost the Cake: Frost the entire cake with the whipped cream. You can use a spatula to create swirls on the top.
8. Garnish: Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
9. Chill: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this heavenly Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte to delight your taste buds!
Enjoy your Himmlischen Genuss!