Eggless Black Forest Cake

Back to baking after a long break. I know just a handful of cake recipes. And I am not very confident either. But this time I was very firm to make this cake. Two important people in my life - my brother and husband's birthdates are just two days apart. So it is kind of a tradition to celebrate it on the day in between. Both of them are avid lover of cakes and desserts, so what could be better option?

This happened to be our favorite cake back in India. Even after coming here we go to Indian Bakery quite often to have it.

Makes 9" cake

Preparation Time: 20 Minute

Cooking Time: 45 Minute

Decoration/Cooling Time: 1-2 Hr

Ingredients

1 and 3/4 cup all purpose flour

3 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 can of sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

250 ml coke/pepsi

1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (optional)

For Filling/Decoration

1.5 to 2 cup cool whip

3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate shavings

1 cup cherries

1/2 cup sugar

M & Ms (Optional)

Procedure
1. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and cocoa powder and sieve them
2. Whisk condensed milk and butter together until soft and fluffy and then add vanilla extract
3.  Now gradually add coke and dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk thoroughly
4. Add chocolate chips
5. Pour mixture in a greased baking pan and bake at 350 F until toothpick comes out clean, about 30 to 40 minute

Decoration
1. Heat 3/4 cup water in a pan and add sugar into it. Stir it till sugar gets dissolved. Turn off the heat when it starts getting thickened 
2. Once cake cools down completely, cut it from middle and divide it into two parts
3. Moisturize both parts from inside with sugar syrup
4. Apply of cool whip, 1/2 cup cherries and spread 1/2 cup of chocolate shavings. Again spread cool whip and place other half of the layer
5. Apply sugar syrup on top and cover both top and sides with remaining cream
6. Decorate with remaining cherries, chocolate shavings and M&Ms