CHOCOLATE FOREST LAYER CAKE
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
2½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1½ cups buttermilk (room temp)
1 cup hot water or coffee (for richness)
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For the Cherry Chocolate Cream Filling:
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup finely chopped cherries (fresh, jarred, or maraschino)
½ cup mini chocolate chips or shaved chocolate
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For the Chocolate Ganache Layer:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
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For Topping:
Sweetened whipped cream or vanilla buttercream swirls
Fresh cherries (with stems)
Chocolate drizzle or curls
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Instructions
1. Bake the Chocolate Cake:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk.
4. Combine wet and dry, then stir in hot water/coffee.
5. Divide into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool completely.
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2. Make the Cherry Chocolate Filling:
1. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks.
2. Gently fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips. Chill until use.
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3. Make the Ganache:
1. Heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips.
2. Let sit 1 min, then stir until glossy. Cool slightly before assembling.
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4. Assemble the Cake:
1. Place one chocolate cake layer on your stand.
2. Spread ⅓ of the cherry cream filling.
3. Repeat with remaining layers, ending with ganache on the final layer.
4. Chill 20 mins before decorating.
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5. Decorate:
1. Pipe whipped cream swirls on top.
2. Top with fresh cherries and drizzle extra ganache.
3. Optional: Press shaved chocolate or cookie crumbs on the sides.
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