Black Forest Cake Recipe 🍒🍫🎂

Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per slice
Suggested meal time: Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or as an indulgent dessert after dinner. This decadent cake is especially great for the holidays or any time you're craving a sweet treat.

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1 can cherry pie filling

• Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for decoration

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the dry ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will form the base of your cake and give it that rich chocolate flavor.

3. Mix the wet ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth. Add the whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is well combined.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or low speed on the mixer. Once combined, carefully add the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is expected – it will result in a moist and fluffy cake.

5. Bake the cakes:
   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Assemble the cake:
   Once the cakes have cooled, slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers in total. Place the first layer on a serving platter and spread a layer of cherry pie filling over it. Add a layer of whipped cream, then top with the second cake layer.

7. Repeat this process, layering cherry pie filling and whipped cream between the layers. Finish by placing the top layer of cake on the very top.

8. Decorate:
   Once your layers are assembled, cover the entire cake with whipped cream. Decorate the top with more cherry pie filling and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for that signature Black Forest touch. You can also add a few extra whole cherries for an extra pop of color and flavor.

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Tips on Energy-Efficient Appliances:
To save energy, consider using a convection oven, which circulates hot air for faster, more even baking. This can reduce cooking times and save electricity. Also, avoid opening the oven door too often while baking, as this releases heat and makes your oven work harder to maintain the temperature.

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Note on Who Would Benefit from This Dish:
The Black Forest Cake is a perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially those who enjoy chocolate and cherries. It's a crowd-pleaser, ideal for birthdays, holidays, or other special events. This cake is sure to impress guests with its rich flavor and impressive appearance.

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Note on Who Should Avoid This Dish:
Since this cake contains dairy, eggs, and gluten, it is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance, egg allergies, or gluten sensitivity. Additionally, due to its high calorie and sugar content, it may not be appropriate for those on a calorie-restricted or diabetic diet. This cake should be enjoyed in moderation by those managing their weight or following a special diet.