Black Forest Celebration Cake

This version keeps the layers light and the whipped cream fluffy, with plenty of cherries and chocolate shavings.

Ingredients

Chocolate sponge

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup neutral oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water

Filling and finish

• 2 cups heavy cream, cold
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or jarred)
• 1/2 cup chocolate shavings

Steps

1. Heat oven to 350F. Grease and line two 8-inch pans.
2. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat eggs and sugar until pale. Mix in oil and vanilla.
4. Fold in dry ingredients, then whisk in hot coffee until smooth.
5. Divide into pans and bake 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely.
6. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to soft peaks.
7. Slice each cake to make four thin layers.
8. Layer cake with whipped cream and cherries. Frost the outside and top.
9. Press chocolate shavings on the sides. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• If using jarred cherries, pat them dry before layering.
• A thin brush of cherry syrup on the layers adds extra flavor.