HAPPY HUMP DAY! I hope your week is rolling right along and this Extra, Extra! makes it even better. Whether it’s our Amaretto Coffee or Black Forest Cake (hopefully both), these treats are here to help you get through the week with a smile. Enjoy!
YUM!
Rich, creamy, chocolate cake on a cold, winter evening is the sweetness we need in our lives.
Black Forest Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) hot water or coffee (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
For the Cherry Filling:
2 cups (300g) pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup (60ml) water
1 tablespoon kirsch (optional, for authenticity)
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
Chocolate shavings or curls
Fresh cherries, blueberries, or raspberries (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in the hot water or coffee.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in cornstarch and cook until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Add kirsch if using. Let it cool completely.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top, followed by a layer of cherry filling.
Add the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake with whipped cream.
Decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh cherries/berries, or extra cherry filling. YUM!
CHEERS!
Treat yourself to an after-dinner coffee, with a little something-something. . .
Amaretto Coffee
