Elegant Chocolate Forest Cake

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

4 large eggs, at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cherry Filling:

2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

1 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cooled

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

Additional cherries for decoration

Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

Whisk eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.

Sift dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, a