Chocolate Cherry Cake

Chocolate Cherry Cake is rich and moist and tastes just like biting into a luscious cherry chocolate candy. The perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cherry pie filling (canned or homemade)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional for Garnish:

• Fresh cherries
• Chocolate shavings

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
   • Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in Cherry Pie Filling:
   • Gently fold in the cherry pie filling until evenly distributed in the batter.
7. Divide and Bake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool:
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat Cream:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Pour Over Chocolate:
   • Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
3. Cool:
   • Allow the chocolate ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled cakes.

Assembling:

1. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Pour a portion of the chocolate ganache over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and pour the remaining ganache over the entire cake.
2. Garnish (Optional):
   • Garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings if desired.
3. Chill (Optional):
   • You can chill the cake for a short time to allow the ganache to set, or serve it immediately for a gooey chocolate experience.
4. Slice and Enjoy:
   • Slice the Chocolate Cherry Cake and enjoy this decadent treat!