Name: Black Forest Torte
Yield: Makes 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried tart cherries; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup kirsch (clear cherry brandy); 3 tablespoons cherry preserves; 3/4 cup all purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into chunks; 7 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped; 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 12-ounce jar cherry preserves; 3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese (12 ounces); 3/4 cup chilled whipping cream

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Black Forest TorteBrian Leatart

Coarsely ground black pepper lends a spicy note to this dense, moist brownie cake studded with dried cherries and chocolate chips.

Cherry Preserves are thicker than cherry jam and give the Black Forest Torte more body. Look for cherry preserves in supermarkets.

Recipe notes

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