Indulge in the rich and luscious flavors of this classic black forest cherry dessert recipe. Layers of moist chocolate cake are soaked in cherry brandy and filled with a creamy chocolate mousse and sweet cherries. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this dessert is a crowd pleaser and perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a luxurious treat. Enjoy the combination of chocolate and cherries in this indulgent dessert that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cherry brandy or cherry liqueur
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cherry juice (reserved from the cherry pie filling)
- 1/4 cup chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the boiling water, the batter will be thin. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes.
- Use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the cakes. Pour cherry brandy or cherry liqueur over each cake layer. Let the cakes cool completely in pans.
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake.
- Top with a layer of whipped cream and sprinkle with half of the chocolate chips. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Spread the remaining cherry pie filling over the top layer. Frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining whipped cream.
- Drizzle the cherry juice over the cake. Sprinkle the chocolate shavings on top for garnish.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Slice and serve this heavenly black forest cherry dessert, and enjoy the decadent combination of flavors!