Luxurious Black Forest Cake 🍫🍒

Indulge in this rich and decadent Black Forest Cake, featuring moist chocolate cake layers, luscious cherry filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave a luxurious treat!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or canned)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

For Decoration:

• ½ cup chocolate chips

• Whole cherries (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

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

3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

4. Stir in boiling water until fully combined (batter will be thin).

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

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

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.

2. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer.

2. Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.

3. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cherry filling over it.

2. Repeat with the second cake layer and more cherry filling.

3. Place the third cake layer on top. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

4. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and garnish with whole cherries if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy this rich, chocolate-cherry delight!