How to Make a Black Forest Cherry Cake

Black Forest cake makes a wonderful end to any dinner!

This wonderful dessert is the english version of a southern German dessert called Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. With the tasty combination of chocolate cake, cherries and Kirsch liqueur, it has become a favorite across Europe and in the US. Following is an easy version of this cake. Enjoy!

Things You'll Need

• 1 package dark chocolate cake mix of your choice + the ingredients to make it.
• oil/flour to grease pans
• 2 9" round cake pans
• 2 20oz cans of tart pitted cherries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 cup Kirsch liquer (optional)
• 3 cups whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour cake pans. Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Divide batter between 2 pans and bake 30-35 minute or until toothpicks inserted into center of cake come out clean. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Loosen from pan, flip over and remove pan. Allow to cool completely before assembling.

2. Filling:Drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup of juice. Combine juice, cherries, sugar, cornstarch and Kirsch in saucepan. Cook on low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in vanilla. Allow to cool.

3. Frosting:Combine 3 cups cold whipping cream and powdered sugar in a chilled mixing bowl. Beat at high speed until stiff peaks form. Reserve 1 1/2 cups frosting for decorating top of cake.

4. Assembling the cake:With a long serrated knife, split each cooled layer into 2 sections (you will have 4 9" round cake pieces). Take one section and, into a seperate bowl, crumble into small pieces.Place one cake layer on platter. Spread with 1 cup frosting, then top it with 3/4 cherry mixture. Top with second layer of cake, frosting and cherry mixture. Place third layer on top.Frost side of cake and around top edge (to about 1/2 inch on the top) with reserved frosting. Gently press cake crumbs into frosting on side of cake. Spoon remainder of cherry mixture onto top center of cake.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of flour, use a little dry cake mix to coat the cake pans after greasing. The cake mix will absorb into the batter, and you won't have that white flour to brush off.

• Top cake with shaved chocolate curls for an added fancy touch.