Christmas Black Forest Cake with Spiced Cherry Filling

• 2 cups (300 g) pitted dark cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 2 tbsp kirsch or cherry juice

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)

For Decoration:

• Dark chocolate curls or shavings
• Candied cherries, sugared cranberries, or pomegranate seeds
• Small sprigs of rosemary or mint leaves
• Dusting of powdered sugar

Instructions