Expertvillage Black Forest Cake

When it comes to classic desserts, Black Forest Cake is an all-time favorite that perfectly combines rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and luscious cream. This decadent dessert originated in Germany and has become a beloved treat worldwide. A perfect choice for special occasions or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, this recipe for Expertvillage Black Forest Cake will guide you through creating a stunning and delicious masterpiece right in your own kitchen.

Title: Expertvillage Black Forest Cake

Ingredients:

For the chocolate cake:
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup hot water

For the cherry filling:
– 2 14-ounce cans pitted cherries, drained (reserve juice)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries)

For the whipped cream frosting:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional:
– Dark chocolate shavings, for garnish
– Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Instructions:
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, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.

4. Gradually pour in the hot water while stirring the batter until it is well combined. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

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

8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cherry filling. In a saucepan, combine the drained cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and cherry juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.

9. For the whipped cream frosting, in a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create a total of four layers.

11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cherry filling on top. Add a dollop of whipped cream and spread it evenly over the cherry filling. Repeat this process with the remaining cake layers.

12. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Decorate with dark chocolate shavings and maraschino cherries.

Enjoy assembling this delightful Expertvillage Black Forest Cake, a showstopping dessert that is sure to impress your guests or make any day feel special. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and fluffy cream will surely make this cake a favorite in your household. Indulge in a slice of this classic treat and savor the flavors of this timeless dessert.