Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups canned cherries, drained (reserve the juice)
• 1/2 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup Kirschwasser (cherry brandy)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Chocolate shavings
• Maraschino cherries

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Make the Cake: Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale, about 5-7 minutes. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
3. Prepare Cherry Filling: While the cake is baking, combine the cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in the drained cherries and 1/4 cup Kirschwasser. Set aside to cool.
4. Whipped Cream: Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
5. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are cool, cut each cake layer in half horizontally, creating four layers. Place one layer on a serving plate, and brush with a little Kirschwasser. Spread a layer of whipped cream over it, then spoon some cherry filling on top. Place another cake layer on top and repeat the process until all layers are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
6. Decorate: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Decorate with chocolate shavings and maraschino cherries.
7. Chill: Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Enjoy your homemade Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte! Remember, this cake tastes best when allowed to sit for a bit, as the flavors deepen and develop over time.