Luxurious Black Forest Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 cups cherry pie filling (for the filling and garnish)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will ensure that your cakes come out of the pans easily after baking.

2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together thoroughly. This is important to ensure that the dry ingredients are well-distributed before you add any wet ingredients.

3. Add the wet ingredients: In the same bowl, crack 2 large eggs and add 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until smooth and well combined. The consistency of the batter should be thick but smooth. It’s essential to beat the batter for a few minutes to incorporate air, which will make the cake light and fluffy.

4. Incorporate the boiling water: Once the batter is smooth, slowly add 1 cup of boiling water while mixing continuously. Be careful as the batter will become very thin, but this is completely normal. The boiling water helps create a moist and tender cake texture.

5. Pour the batter into the pans: Carefully divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Don’t worry if the batter seems runny; it will bake into a perfect, moist cake.

6. Bake the cake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Oven temperatures vary, so you may need to check the cakes a little earlier or later than the suggested time. Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the whipped cream: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled mixing bowl, add 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whip the cream using an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. This process should take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip the cream, as it could turn into butter.

8. Assemble the cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, it’s time to assemble your Black Forest Cake. Place one of the cake layers on a serving plate. Use a spoon to spread half of the cherry pie filling over the cake layer, making sure to distribute the cherries evenly. Then, spread a layer of whipped cream over the cherries, smoothing it out with a spatula.

9. Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the whipped cream and cherry filling. Gently press down so that the layers stick together. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top of the cake, smoothing it into an even layer.

10. Garnish: To garnish, top the cake with the remaining cherry pie filling, making sure to place cherries all over the top. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chocolate chips on top for added flavor and decoration.

11. Chill and serve: For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to set and for the whipped cream to firm up. When you’re ready to serve, slice the cake into generous pieces and enjoy the delicious combination of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream.

Tips for Success:

• Moisture level: The addition of boiling water makes this cake incredibly moist, so don’t be alarmed by the runny batter.
• Cake texture: Be sure to measure your ingredients correctly, particularly the flour, as too much flour can make the cake dense.
• Whipped cream: If you prefer, you can use a store-bought whipped topping, but homemade whipped cream will add a richer flavor.
• Storage: This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, keep them covered to prevent the whipped cream from softening too much.

Now you're ready to enjoy a decadent slice of your homemade luxurious Black Forest Cake! 🍒🍫