Description
A decadent layered cake featuring moist chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and a light creamy filling, finished with a rich chocolate topping for an elegant dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
- 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup chocolate ganache or melted chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Stir in hot water or coffee until batter is thin.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
- Toss cherries with cornstarch and gently heat in a saucepan until thickened. Cool.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into cream cheese mixture.
- Place one cake layer on a plate, spread cream filling, and top with cherries.
- Add second cake layer and frost with remaining cream.
- Pour chocolate ganache over the top and chill before serving.
Notes
- Kirsch can be added to the cherries for extra flavor.
- Ensure cakes are fully cooled before assembling.
- Store refrigerated for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired