Healthier Black Forest & Cherry Cake

For the cake:

• 1 1/4 cup Lifeway Kefir Farmer Cheese, (a little less than one container (for shopping reference))
• 3 large Eggs, (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups Boiling Water
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp. Vanilla Extract
• 1 3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 cup Granulated Cane Sugar
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Salt

For the frosting:

• 1 1/2 pints Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1/3 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1-2 tsp. Maple Syrup, (to taste)
• 1 tbsp. Cherry Liquor or Juice ((optional))

For the cherry layer:

• 2 1/2 cups Cherries, (halved and pitted (if using frozen, make sure you thaw and drain the cherries first + save 2 tbsp. of the juice))
• 1/3 cup Granulated Cane Sugar

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For the cherry layer:

1. Add the cherries and sugar with 2 tablespoon water/cherry juice into a saucepan over medium high heat. Let it cook to reduce into a syrup for 10 to 15 minutes. Optional: blend the cherries for a smoother texture. Let it cool completely while you prepare the cake.

For the cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly oil and line 3 6" cake pans or 2 8" cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs, olive oil, and farmers cheese on medium speed for 2 minutes, until creamy. Add in the vanilla extract.
4. Working fast, pour the boiling hot water into the olive oil mixture to mix until well-combined, then gradually add in the flour mixture on low speed just until combined.
5. Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared baking pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:

1. Add the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer to beat onmedium high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Fold in the maple syrup and (optional) cherry liquor/juice.

To assemble:

1. Place one cake layer on your cake stand, then add a generous scoop of the cherry syrup to evenly spread out, then a heaping cup of frosting. Evenly cover the layer with the frosting, and repeat until all cake layers are used. Garnish with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, chocolate ganache, and/or a caramel drizzle. Enjoy!

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