Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Final Touches and Serving:
   • Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours before serving.
   • Serve and enjoy the blend of chocolate and cherry flavors!