Cherry Chocolate Snowball Cake

Black Forest Boule De Neige

Description:
Indulge in the decadent fusion of chocolate and cherry with this exquisite Black Forest Boule De Neige. Reminiscent of Germany’s famed Black Forest Torte, this moist and fudgy cake is baked in a unique manner, resembling a snowball (boule de neige) when covered with whipped cream. Perfect for dessert lovers and ideal for large groups, this recipe requires a bit of advance preparation due to its overnight sitting time, which isn’t reflected in the prep or cook time.

Recipe Details:

Ingredients:

• Kirsch (cherry brandy)
• 1/3 cup dried tart cherries
• 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
• 1/3 cup kirsch (for whipped cream)
• 2 tablespoons almond extract (for whipped cream)
• Candied violets (for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a 10-cup metal bowl with foil, ensuring it extends 3 inches over the sides. Spray the foil with nonstick spray.

2. Prepare Cherry Mixture:

   • In a medium skillet, combine cherry preserves with kirsch over medium heat until the preserves melt.
   • Add dried cherries, bring to a boil, cover, and then remove from heat. Let it cool.

3. Make the Cake Batter:

   • In a heavy large saucepan, melt chocolate with butter over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
   • Whisk in sugar and vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
   • Mix in flour, followed by the cooled cherry mixture.

4. Bake the Cake:

   • Transfer the batter into the prepared metal bowl.
   • Bake the cake in the lower third of the oven for 30 minutes.
   • After 30 minutes, fold the foil overhang over the edges of the cake to prevent overbrowning.
   • Continue baking for about 55 minutes longer, or until the top is cracked, dry, and a tester inserted into the center comes out with some moist batter attached.

5. Cooling and Overnight Setting:

   • Allow the cake to cool completely in the bowl on a rack. Don’t worry if the cake falls slightly in the center.
   • Press the edge of the cake firmly to level it with the center.
   • Cover the cake and let it stand at room temperature overnight. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld.

6. Prepare Whipped Cream:

   • Using an electric mixer, whip the cream with powdered sugar, kirsch, and almond extract in a large bowl until it holds peaks.

7. Assemble and Decorate:

   • Carefully invert the cooled cake onto a serving platter and peel off the foil.
   • Fill a large pastry bag fitted with a medium star tip with the whipped cream.
   • Pipe whipped cream stars all over the cake, covering it completely.
   • Pipe additional stars over the flat top of the cake to form a dome.

8. Final Touches:

   • If making ahead, cover the cake with a dome and chill until ready to serve.
   • Before serving, decorate the cake with candied violets for a delightful visual and flavor contrast.
   • Candied violets can be sourced from specialty food stores or ordered online for convenience.

Tips and Notes:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother blending.
• The overnight resting period allows the flavors to mature and develop fully.
• This cake is a show-stopper for any dessert table, combining rich chocolate, fruity cherries, and delicate whipped cream.
• Customize the decoration with other seasonal fruits or chocolate shavings if desired.

Indulge in the charm of Germany’s Black Forest with this impressive dessert, perfect for celebrations and gatherings where you want to impress with both flavor and presentation. The blend of chocolate, cherry, and delicate whipped cream atop a unique cake shape ensures a memorable culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!