Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Loaf Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Make Chocolate Cake:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
3. Bake Chocolate Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
4. Make Cherry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cherries are softened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. Whip the Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
6. Assemble the Black Forest Loaf Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, slice it horizontally into two layers.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom half of the cake. Spoon half of the cherry filling over the whipped cream.
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process with whipped cream and the remaining cherry filling.
7. Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish the top of the Black Forest Loaf Cake with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries if desired.
8. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set. Slice and serve chilled.
Tips:
- Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings from a chocolate bar for a beautiful garnish.
- Cherry Variations: If fresh cherries are not in season, you can use canned cherry pie filling as a convenient alternative.
- Storage: Keep the Black Forest Loaf Cake refrigerated. It can be stored for up to 2-3 days.
This Black Forest Loaf Cake is a delightful combination of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and airy whipped cream. Whether served for a special occasion or as a sweet indulgence, this loaf cake is sure to be a hit with chocolate and cherry lovers alike!
