"This classic, German, cherry-filled chocolate cake, a masterpiece of cherry brandy-soaked pastry engineering, improves the longer it sits. This recipe first appeared in the 2012 SAVEUR 100 with the story Black Forest Cake. See step-by-step instructions on assembling the cake in our gallery »..."
INGREDIENTS
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FOR THE CAKE AND SYRUP:
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5 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for pan
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1 cup flour, plus more for pan
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1½ cups sugar
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6 eggs
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¾ cup cornstarch
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¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
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1 tsp. kosher salt
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14 oz. (2 cups) jarred or canned sour cherries, drained, reserving ½ cup cherry juice from jar, plus 12 cherries, to garnish
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½ cup kirsch (cherry brandy)
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FOR THE WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING:
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2 tbsp. unflavored powdered gelatin
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2 cups plus 6 tbsp. milk
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½ cup cornstarch
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6 tbsp. sugar
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4 cups heavy cream, chilled
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6 tbsp. kirsch (cherry brandy)
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1 tsp. vanilla extract
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4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, grated