Description
A decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with the freshness of cherries, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or jarred cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cherry filling)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
- Shaved chocolate or chocolate chips (for garnish)
- Extra cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the sugar and stir well. In another bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until you have a smooth mixture.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the cherry filling, combine cherries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cherries soften. If you want a thicker filling, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the cherry mixture, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- To make the whipped cream, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Once the cakes are cool, slice each cake in half to create 4 layers.
- Place the first layer on a serving plate, spread with cherry filling and whipped cream. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings and whole cherries. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
For a different flavor, swap cherries for strawberries or raspberries. Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: cherry cake, chocolate cake, dessert, baking, party dessert