Black Forest Loaf Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake:

1 1/2 sticks (170g) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup (200g) powdered/white sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon kirsch, optional – I didn’t use any

3.5 oz (100 g) dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

2 1/4 cups (315 g) plain/all-purpose flour

1/4 cup (25 g) cocoa powder, sifted

2 teaspoons baking powder

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup (120ml) milk

2/3 cup (135 g) canned cherries, drained – strain over a bowl and reserve the juice for later.

For garnish :

1 1/4 cups (300 mL) double/heavy cream

3 tablespoons caster/white sugar