This Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake combines the richness of a moist, cocoa-infused cake with the sweet tang of cherry sauce. Layered with a luscious ganache frosting, each slice is a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This: The deep chocolate layers contrast beautifully with the bright cherry filling, offering a taste that’s both luxurious and refreshing. The smooth ganache frosting brings everything together, making each bite indulgently satisfying. Perfect for special occasions or as a weekend baking project, this cake promises to impress chocolate and cherry lovers alike.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- Eggs (3, large)
- Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups)
- Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup)
- Coconut Oil (1/4 cup)
- Almond Milk or Regular Milk (1 cup)
- Cocoa Powder (3/4 cup, unsweetened)
- Baking Powder (2 tsp)
- Baking Soda (1 tsp)
- Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp)
- Salt (a pinch)
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups)
- Hot Instant Coffee (1 cup)
For the Cherry Sauce:
- Sweet Cherries (2 1/2 cups, pitted)
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup)
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp)
- Water (1/4 cup)
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp)
For the Ganache Frosting:
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup)
- Whipped Cream (1 1/2 cups)
Instructions:
- Cake Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, both oils, vanilla, and milk.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then stir in the hot coffee.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Allow cakes to cool completely after baking.
- Making the Cherry Sauce:
- In a saucepan, cook cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and part of the water until cherries soften.
- Dissolve cornstarch in the remaining water and add to the cherry mixture, cooking until thickened.
- Let the sauce cool and refrigerate.
- Ganache Frosting:
- Warm the cream and chocolate in the microwave, then stir until smooth.
- Let it cool to room temperature.
- Mix the cooled chocolate mixture with whipped cream.
- Refrigerate until it thickens slightly.
- Assembling the Cake:
- Place one layer of cake on a plate.
- Spread a portion of the ganache frosting over it, followed by cherry sauce.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache frosting.
- Final Touches and Serving:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours before serving.
- Serve and enjoy the blend of chocolate and cherry flavors!
