🍫🍒 Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake 

🧾 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee (or hot water)

For the Cherry Filling

• 1 1/2 cups cherries (fresh or canned, pitted)
• 1/3 cup (65 g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water

For the Whipped Cream

• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 150 g (5 oz) dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two or three round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Gradually pour in the hot coffee while mixing. The batter will be thin — this is normal.
5. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cakes cool completely before assembling.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook for 5–7 minutes until cherries soften and release juices.
3. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream

1. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Whip until soft to medium peaks form.
3. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Step 4: Make the Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream until just hot (do not boil).
2. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl.
3. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
4. Allow ganache to cool slightly until pourable but not too runny.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of whipped cream evenly over the top.
3. Add a layer of cherry filling.
4. Place the next cake layer on top and repeat the process.
5. Continue layering depending on the number of cake layers.
6. Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of whipped cream.

Step 6: Decorate

1. Pour or drizzle chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
2. Garnish with whole cherries.
3. Dust lightly with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1–2 hours before slicing.
2. Slice with a sharp knife (wipe clean between cuts for neat layers).

✨ Pro Tips

• Using hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Always cool cake layers completely before assembling to prevent melting the cream.
• Chill the cake before slicing for clean, professional-looking layers.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to achieve a rich, smooth finish.

🍰 Final Result

A rich, moist chocolate cake layered with light whipped cream and sweet-tart cherries, finished with a glossy ganache — perfectly balanced, indulgent, and elegant, just like a classic bakery-style dessert.