Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake

Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake

This Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is a delicious and decadent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the tartness of cherries. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy filling, and a sweet cherry topping. Ideal for special occasions or whenever you're craving a truly indulgent treat!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Creamy Chocolate Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled

For the Cherry Chocolate Topping:

• ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and sugar.

Add the eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and combined.

Gradually add the boiling water and stir until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cherry Filling:

In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly (about 5-7 minutes).

Remove from heat and let the cherry filling cool to room temperature.

Make the Creamy Chocolate Filling:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined and smooth.

Add the melted chocolate and fold it in until fully incorporated.

Assemble the Cake:

Once the cakes have cooled, slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers.

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of the creamy chocolate filling over the top.

Add a layer of the cherry filling on top of the chocolate filling.

Repeat the process with the next layers of cake, chocolate filling, and cherry filling, ending with the final cake layer on top.

Make the Cherry Chocolate Topping:

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.

Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Decorate:

Garnish with fresh cherries on top for a beautiful finish.

Serve:

Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to set the fillings and ganache.

Slice and serve chilled for a delightful dessert.

Tips:

Cherry Filling: If fresh cherries aren’t available, you can substitute with canned or frozen cherries. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before using.

Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This cake is even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the chocolate filling and cherry topping ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

This Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is a delightful combination of rich chocolate, creamy filling, and sweet-tart cherries. It's perfect for a birthday, holiday, or any special occasion!