Description
A rich and indulgent dessert featuring layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherry filling, and whipped cream, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups canned or jarred cherries (pitted)
- ½ cup cherry syrup or juice (from the jar)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh cherries with stems (for garnish)
- Dark chocolate curls or shavings (for garnish)
- Chocolate ganache drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans.
- In a bowl, sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add oil, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients until smooth.
- Divide into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before assembling.
- In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and cherry syrup. Bring to a simmer, add the cornstarch mixture, and cook until slightly thickened (2–3 minutes). Let cool completely.
- Beat chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Keep refrigerated.
- Slice each cake layer in half for four total layers (optional for taller presentation).
- Place one layer on a plate, brush lightly with cherry syrup, and spread a layer of whipped cream. Add a generous spoonful of cherry filling.
- Repeat layers, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache, sprinkle chocolate curls, and top with fresh cherries.
Notes
- Ensure the heavy cream is very cold for best whipping results.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg