Homemade Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Ganache
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
4 large eggs
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (60ml) neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cherry Whipped Cream Filling:
1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups pitted cherries (fresh or jarred), halved
1–2 tbsp cherry juice (from the jar, optional)
For the Ganache:
¾ cup (130g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 tbsp butter (optional for extra gloss)
To Decorate:
Whipped cream (extra for dollops)
Fresh cherries with stems
A few drips of cherry juice for that casual splatter
Instructions
Make the Chocolate Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans or a rectangular pan (if going for a slab cake look).
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale (about 4 minutes). Add oil, buttermilk, and vanilla.
Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
Pour into pan(s) and bake 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely and slice horizontally if needed.
Make the Whipped Cream & Cherry Filling:
Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Gently fold in halved cherries and a splash of cherry juice for flavor and color.
Make the Ganache:
Heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit 1 minute.
Stir until smooth and shiny. Let it cool slightly until thick but pourable.
Assemble the Cake:
Place first layer of cake on a chipped white plate (bonus for authenticity!).
Spread cherry whipped cream over top, letting a few cherries peek out.
Add top cake layer. Pour ganache over the top and let it drip unevenly down the sides.
Pipe or spoon messy whipped cream dollops. Place cherries on top, some upright, some tilted for that natural vibe.
Style for That Cozy Kitchen Feel:
Smudge ganache on the plate edge, let a bit of cherry juice spill.
Place a crumpled napkin, a spoon with ganache streaks, and an open cherry jar nearby.
Natural light, wooden counter, and a blurred backdrop with baking chaos = perfection.
Let me know if you want a version with kirsch-soaked cherries (like a rustic Black Forest cake) or a one-layer, fuss-free version!