Black Forest Cake

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, mixing well after each addition. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
3. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on wire racks.
4. Make the Cherry Filling: Combine cherries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Simmer until cherries are soft. Mix cornstarch with a little water, stir into cherries, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in kirsch, and cool.
5. Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
6. Assemble the Cake: Slice each cake horizontally to make four layers. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread with cherry filling, then top with whipped cream. Repeat with remaining layers. Cover the outside of the cake with whipped cream, garnish with cherries and chocolate shavings.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 1 hour | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours (includes cooling and assembly)
Kcal: 540 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings