Berry Black Forest Cake

INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 cups

all purpose flour

2 cups

granulated white sugar

3/4 cup

unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 tsp

baking soda

3/4 tsp

salt

large eggs

1 cup

buttermilk ((or substitute by putting 1 tbsp white vinegar in a cup then filling the rest up with milk; let stand 5 minutes until thickened))

1/2 cup

butter (, melted)

1 tbsp

vanilla extract

1 cup

freshly brewed hot coffee ((or 2 tsp instant coffee in 1 cup boiling water))

24 oz

Morello Cherries in Syrup

1 1/2 cups

fresh berries such as blackberries (, blueberries, and raspberries)

6 tbsp

Kirsch or Cherry Brandy

1/4 cup

granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups

heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 tbsp

granulated sugar

In a mixer (, beat whip cream and sugar until stiff.)

4 oz

semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (, finely chopped)

1/4 cup

heavy cream

1/2 tbsp

butter