🍒 Homemade Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake

With Whipped Cream & Chocolate Ganache

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 4 large eggs

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (60ml) neutral oil (vegetable or canola)

• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Whipped Cream Filling:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1½ cups pitted cherries, halved (fresh or jarred)

• 1–2 tablespoons cherry juice (optional, from the jar)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• ¾ cup (130g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra gloss)

To Decorate:

• Extra whipped cream, for dollops

• Fresh cherries with stems

• A splash of cherry juice, for casual splatter

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Instructions

🍰 1. Make the Chocolate Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease and line two 8-inch round pans or one rectangular pan for a slab-style cake.

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

• In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick (about 4 minutes).

• Add in the oil, buttermilk, and vanilla, and mix until combined.

• Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.

• Pour into prepared pans and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool completely. If using one tall cake, slice horizontally to make two layers.

🍒 2. Make the Cherry Whipped Cream Filling

• In a chilled bowl, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

• Gently fold in the halved cherries and a splash of cherry juice for flavor and color.

🍫 3. Make the Chocolate Ganache

• Heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer.

• Pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute.

• Stir until completely smooth. Add butter if desired, for a silkier finish.

• Let cool slightly until thick but pourable.

🧁 4. Assemble the Cake

• Place the first cake layer on your serving plate (bonus points for a slightly chipped white plate!).

• Spread the cherry whipped cream evenly over the top, letting some cherries peek out.

• Add the second cake layer on top.

• Pour the ganache over the cake, letting it drip down naturally.

• Pipe or spoon messy whipped cream dollops on top.

• Finish with fresh cherries, arranging them casually for a rustic, natural look. Add a few drips of cherry juice for a vibrant finish.

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✨ A stunning dessert with rich chocolate, fluffy cream, and juicy cherries — perfect for special occasions or a romantic evening in.