Chocolate Cherry Fantasy Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.
2. Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, oil, eggs, water (or cherry juice), sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Optional – Add chocolate chips: If desired, fold in the mini chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolate.
4. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake according to the instructions on the cake mix box (typically 25-30 minutes for round cakes, or 30-35 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan). Test with a toothpick to ensure the cake is done; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool the cake: Allow the cake layers to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cherry Filling:

1. Make the cherry syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the maraschino cherries (drained and chopped) with the cherry juice and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes until the cherries soften and release their juice.
2. Thicken the filling (optional): If you’d like the filling to be thicker, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the cherry mixture. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Prepare the Ganache:

1. Make the chocolate ganache: In a heatproof bowl, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer (you can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop).
2. Combine with chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes to melt. Stir until smooth and glossy. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of butter for extra richness and gloss.
3. Cool the ganache: Allow the ganache to cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.

Prepare the Whipped Topping:

1. Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Layer the cake: If using round cake pans, slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers. If using a 9×13-inch pan, simply cut the cake into squares.
2. Spread the cherry filling: Place one layer of cake on your serving plate and spoon a generous amount of the cherry filling over it.
3. Add whipped cream: Top the cherry filling with a layer of whipped cream.
4. Add more layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake, cherry filling, and whipped cream, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
5. Drizzle with ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Serve:

• Garnish with additional maraschino cherries or fresh cherries on top for a decorative touch.
• Serve the Chocolate Cherry Fantasy Cake chilled or at room temperature. It’s rich, indulgent, and sure to be a hit!

This Chocolate Cherry Fantasy Cake combines the best of both worlds—decadent chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and velvety ganache—making it a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds! 🍒🍫