Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)

This is my own version composed of 4 half-layers of black midnight cake brushed with sour cherry syrup and topped with whipped cream, sour cherries, and shaved dark chocolate. It's addicting and bound to be a hit. The cake is a shortening-style delectable that requires one kitchen-aid and absolutely no fancy foot work.

Prep time:
1.5 hours for batter, whipping, and construction
Cook time:
30 - 35 mins for cake

Ingredients:
Black Midnight Cake
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup cocoa
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 1/4 cups water
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
Filling and Topping
1 or 2 pints heavy cream
1 or 2 tsp vanilla
1 or 2 tblsp sugar
1 large jar sour cherries in juice or syrup (24 individual cherries per layer)

Directions: