Black Forest Cake Recipe

Black Forest Cake Recipe

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CAKE + SYRUP

2 boxes Devil's Food cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box

1 (24-oz.) jar sour cherries

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1/4 c. kirschwasser

FOR THE FROSTING + TOPPING

3 tsp. unflavored gelatin

4 c. heavy whipping cream

1 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Fresh cherries, for topping

Chocolate shavings, for topping

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line three 9” round cake pans with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray.
2. Prepare cake mixes according to package instructions. Divide cake batter between prepared pans and bake according to package instructions or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely. 
3. Meanwhile, make syrup: Drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup juice. Reserve cherries for assembling cake. In a small saucepan, combine reserved juice with ½ cup sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from the heat and add the kirsch.
4. Make filling: In a medium heatproof bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup boiling water and whisk to dissolve. If necessary, microwave in 5-second increments to dissolve gelatin completely. Beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla. While beating, slowly pour the gelatin mixture into the whipped cream until combined. 
5. Transfer 1 cup of the frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and set aside.
6. Place 1 layer of cake on a platter; brush heavily with cherry syrup. Spread 1 1/4 cup of filling over the cake. Cover with half of the reserved cherries. Place another cake layer on top and repeat. Top with remaining cake layer and brush heavily with syrup. Spread the remaining whipped cream filling over the top and sides of the cake. 
7. Sprinkle the shaved chocolate around the top of the cake and press into the sides.
8. Pipe dollops of frosting around the edge of the cake with reserved frosting and top each dollop with fresh cherries.

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