Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake

Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is a luscious, decadent dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of rich chocolate and sweet, tart cherries. This cake has a moist, fluffy texture, enhanced by the natural sweetness of cherries and a silky chocolate frosting. It’s perfect for any celebration or when you want to indulge in a truly luxurious treat. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed for a deeper flavor)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water (or strong coffee for an extra depth of flavor)
1/2 cup fresh or jarred cherries, pitted and chopped (or use maraschino cherries, drained)

For the Cherry Filling:

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (or use jarred maraschino cherries, drained)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Frosting:

8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Make the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Stir in the boiling water (or coffee), which will make the batter thin—this is normal.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Cherry Filling:

In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla extract.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove from heat and let it cool completely. If the filling is too thick, add a little more water until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Make the Chocolate Frosting:

In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped chocolate with the heavy cream over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Remove from heat and let the chocolate cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the melted chocolate and beat until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat again until fully combined.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Place one layer of the cooled chocolate cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
Spread a layer of cherry filling over the top of the first cake layer, being careful to leave a small border around the edges.
Place the second layer of cake on top and gently press down to secure.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Optionally, decorate with extra cherries, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of cherry sauce from the filling.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the cake to set for about 30 minutes before slicing, to let the filling and frosting firm up a bit.
Slice and serve with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Tips:

Cherry Variations: If fresh cherries are not in season, you can use jarred maraschino cherries or even frozen cherries for the filling.
For a Boozy Twist: Add a tablespoon of cherry liqueur or brandy to the cherry filling for a deeper flavor profile.
Cake Texture: If you prefer a denser cake, reduce the amount of water slightly. For a lighter cake, you can add a bit more water or coffee to the batter.
Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble.

This Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is a show-stopping dessert with its luscious layers of rich chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and smooth chocolate frosting. It’s the perfect balance of flavors for any special occasion or a delightful indulgence on a cozy weekend!