Simplified Black Forest Cake

Ingredients

• Whipped Cream

  • 1 tsp gelatin
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) cold water
  • 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) 35% whipping cream
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped or 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla

• Morello Cherries

  • 1/3 cup (70 g) sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 jar (680 g or 540 ml) morello cherries in light syrup, syrup and cherries separated
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) kirsch (optional)

• Chocolate Cake

  • 1 1/4 cups (190 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 ml (1/4 c. à thé) de sel
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup (35 g) cocoa powder, sifted
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk, warmed
  • 4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate, chopped, plus more for decorating (see note)

• Cocoa Syrup

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) kirsch (optional)