Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 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 pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Filling:
- 1 can (24 oz) of pitted cherries (reserve 1/2 cup juice)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1/2 cup Schwarzwälder Kirschwasser (cherry schnapps)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 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. The batter will be thin.
- Bake the Cakes:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the reserved cherry juice, cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat, add the cherries, and let it cool.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, split each cake into two layers horizontally.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Sprinkle with half of the Schwarzwälder Kirschwasser.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake and top with a portion of the cherry filling.
- Repeat this process with the remaining cake layers, finishing with whipped cream and cherries on top.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the top of the cake with chocolate shavings.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the cake for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte!
This classic Black Forest Cake is sure to impress with its rich layers of chocolate cake, luscious cherries, and fluffy whipped cream.