Decadent and Delicious Black Forest Cake

Holly's Black Forest Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. This rich and moist cake is layered with freshly whipped cream, tart cherries, and a hint of Kirsch liqueur, making it a true delight for the taste buds. With a slightly sweet chocolate frosting and a garnish of chocolate shavings, this cake is an elegant yet decadent dessert that will be the highlight of any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 can (20 ounces) pitted tart cherries, drained
• ¼ cup Kirsch liqueur
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin but don't worry, it'll bake beautifully.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
9. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and brush it with Kirsch liqueur.
10. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the cake layer.
11. Arrange half of the drained cherries on top of the whipped cream layer.
12. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process, brushing it with Kirsch liqueur, spreading whipped cream, and arranging the remaining cherries.
13. In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips and unsalted butter together, stirring until smooth.
14. Let the chocolate ganache cool for 10 minutes.
15. In another chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
16. Fold the cooled chocolate ganache into the whipped cream until well combined.
17. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate whipped cream mixture.
18. Garnish with chocolate shavings.
19. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
20. Slice and serve the cake chilled for the best taste experience.

Interesting Facts