💕😋 Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake 😋💕

A rich, indulgent chocolate cake layered with silky cream cheese chocolate filling and luscious cherry compote, all crowned with glossy ganache and fresh cherries. Every slice is pure dessert bliss.

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🛒 Ingredients

🍫 For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil

• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

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🍒 For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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🍫 For the Creamy Chocolate Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

• ¼ cup (60g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled

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🍫 For the Ganache Topping:

• ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

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🍒 For Decoration (Optional):

• Fresh cherries

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and sugar.

3. Add eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.

4. Gradually pour in the boiling water and mix until fully incorporated (the batter will be thin).

5. Divide evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

6. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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2️⃣ Make the Cherry Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly (5–7 minutes).

3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

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3️⃣ Make the Creamy Chocolate Filling:

1. Beat cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.

2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese.

4. Add melted chocolate and fold until smooth and creamy.

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4️⃣ Assemble the Cake:

1. Slice each cake layer horizontally to make four layers in total.

2. Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread with a generous layer of chocolate filling, then spoon on cherry filling.

3. Repeat with remaining layers, ending with a cake layer on top.

4. Chill for 15–20 minutes before topping.

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5️⃣ Make the Ganache:

1. Heat heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat.

2. Add chocolate chips and stir until smooth and glossy.

3. Pour over the cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides.

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6️⃣ Decorate:

• Garnish with fresh cherries on top.

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing to set the layers.

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💡 Tips & Notes

• Cherry Filling: Canned or frozen cherries work well—just drain any excess liquid.

• Storage: Store in the fridge up to 3–4 days. Tastes even better the next day!

• Make Ahead: Prepare the chocolate and cherry fillings a day ahead for easy assembly.