Black Forest Chocolate Cake

Instructions

1. 1

   **Preheat the Oven**:

2. 2

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

3. 3

   **Mix Dry Ingredients**:

4. 4

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. 5

   **Combine Wet Ingredients**:

6. 6

   Add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

7. 7

   **Add Boiling Water**:

8. 8

   Gradually stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s what you want for a moist cake!

9. 9

   **Bake**:

10. 10

    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. 11

    **Cool**:

12. 12

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

13. 13

    **Whip Cream**:

14. 14

    In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

15. 15

    **Level the Cakes**:

16. 16

    Once the cakes are completely cool, level them with a knife if necessary.

17. 17

    **First Layer**:

18. 18

    Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Soak it with half of the cherry syrup or Kirsch. Spread a layer of cherry filling on top, followed by a layer of whipped cream.

19. 19

    **Second Layer**:

20. 20

    Place the second cake layer on top. Repeat soaking with the remaining cherry syrup or Kirsch, then spread more cherry filling followed by whipped cream.

21. 21

    **Frost the Sides**:

22. 22

    Use the remaining whipped cream to frost the sides of the cake.

23. 23

    **Decorate**:

24. 24

    Garnish the top with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.

25. 25

    **Serve**:

26. 26

    Slice and serve this gorgeous cake chilled!