Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte
Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte, or Black Forest Cherry Cake, is a classic European dessert. It originated in Germany, but has become a favorite all over the world. There are many elaborate recipes, but this one is quick to assemble and results in a delicious and showy dessert.Old fashioned recipes always include a healthy portion of cherry brandy, in the filling, in the whipped cream and for moistening the cake. This really adds to the flavor, but it isn't absolutely necessary if you are serving a younger crowd.
Instructions
Make a Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte
1. Mix cake mix and bake in two 9-inch layer pans. Turn onto racks and allow to cool.
2. Drain cherries, saving syrup. Mix 1/4-cup of syrup with 1/4-cup cherry brandy or just use 1/2-cup cherry syrup.
3. Combine syrup mixture with cherries, white sugar and cornstarch in saucepan. Cook over low heat until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool before using.
4. Combine whipping cream and confectioners sugar in chilled bowl. Add 2-tbsp cherry brandy, if desired. Beat at high speed to stiff peaks.
5. Combine 1/4-cup cherry syrup with 1/4-cup cherry brandy or just use 1/2 cup cherry syrup. Add 1/4-tsp almond extract.
6. Split each cake layer in half horizontally. Set bottom layer on cake plate. Use pastry brush to moisten layer with 1/3 of almond flavored cherry syrup. Frost with one cup whipped cream. Spread with 3/4-cup cherry filling. Top with 2nd cake layer and repeat syrup, cream and filling. Top with 3rd layer and repeat. Crumble 4th cake layer into fine crumbs and reserve.
7. Frost sides of cake with whipped cream. Use rest of whipped cream and cherry filling to decorate, then place balance of filling in circle at the center top of the cake. Decorate sides of cake with thick coating of crumbled cake crumbs.
Tips Warnings
If you aren't using brandy, a bit of almond extract in the cherry filling and the whipped cream will perk up the flavor.
You should probably omit brandy if serving to children.
Adults should be informed about the brandy, also.
