Decadent Black Forest Cake

Indulge in this rich and luscious Black Forest Cake, a German classic! Layers of moist chocolate cake are filled with sweet cherries and fluffy whipped cream, all topped with chocolate shavings for a stunning dessert that’s perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 cups sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water

For the Filling:

• 2 cups heavy cream, chilled

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 2 cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted

• ¼ cup cherry preserves

For Garnish:

• ½ cup chocolate shavings or curls

• Extra whipped cream and cherries for decoration

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.

4. Slowly stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. For the filling, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in the cherry preserves.

8. Once the cakes have cooled, slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers.

9. Place the first layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of whipped cream, then top with a layer of cherries. Repeat with the remaining layers.

10. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings, extra cherries, and additional whipped cream dollops for a beautiful presentation.

11. Slice and enjoy this elegant, cherry-filled cake!

Prep time: 40 mins | Cook time: 35 mins | Total time: 1 hour 15 mins�

Servings: 12 | Calories: 460 kcal per serving