: Classic Black Forest Cake

2️⃣ Cherry Filling

1. Cook the cherries: Place the cherries, sugar, and water into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cherries to release their juices and soften.
2. Thicken the mixture: Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Add it to the cherries, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Let the filling cool completely before assembling the cake.

3️⃣ Cream

1. Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the cold cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. The cream should be fluffy and stable enough to hold layers together without running.

4️⃣ Assembling the Cake

1. Slice the cake: Once fully cooled, cut the chocolate cake horizontally into 2 or 3 even layers using a long serrated knife. Work gently to avoid tearing the soft crumb.
2. Fill the layers: Spread a generous layer of the cooled cherry filling over the first cake layer, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat with remaining layers.
3. Top layer: Place the final cake layer on top and press very lightly to secure.

5️⃣ Decorating

• Cover the entire cake with whipped cream, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.
• Sprinkle grated chocolate over the top for a classic Black Forest look.
• Finish by placing a few fresh cherries on top.

Notes

• For an even more traditional flavor, you can brush the cake layers lightly with cherry syrup or juice before filling.
• Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing for cleaner cuts.
• Fresh, frozen, or canned cherries all work—just adjust sugar to taste.