Vanilla Cake with Cherry Filling and Chocolate Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

For the Vanilla Cake:

• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
• 1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature

For the Chocolate Whipped Cream:

• 1 1/3 cups cold heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1-3 tablespoons cherry liquor (Kirsh, optional)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 6 1/2 ounces cold heavy cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decorating:

• Extra cherries
• Chocolate shavings

Instructions:

Vanilla Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare two 8" or three 6” cake pans by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Integrate the oil, then add eggs one at a time. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, followed by the milk. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
5. Bake for 22-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Invert onto a cooling rack, let cool, and trim tops for even layers.

Cherry Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add cherries and stir over medium-low heat until thickened.
2. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract, cinnamon, or Kirsh if desired. Cool completely.

Chocolate Whipped Cream:

1. Chill the mixing bowl for 15 minutes. Then, sift powdered sugar and cocoa powder into the bowl. Add vanilla and cold heavy cream. Whip until stiff peaks form.

Whipped Cream:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Whip until stiff peaks form.

To Assemble:

1. Start with one cake layer, cut side up. Spread an even chocolate whipped cream layer, followed by cherry sauce.
2. Place the next cake layer, ensuring it's even. If using two layers, ensure the top layer is cut side down. Repeat with chocolate whipped cream and cherry sauce.
3. Top with whipped cream. Optionally, pipe more chocolate whipped cream. Garnish with extra cherries and chocolate shavings.
4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Enjoy this delicious concoction of vanilla, chocolate, and cherries – a classic combination for any occasion!