Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup hot water
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
For the Topping:
1 cup dark chocolate ganache
Fresh cherries (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease an 8-inch round cake pan, and line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar:
Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients with buttermilk to the butter mixture. End with dry ingredients. Stir in hot water until smooth.
5. Add Cherries:
Gently fold in the pitted cherries.
6. Bake:
Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Decorate:
Spread dark chocolate ganache over the cooled cake and garnish with fresh cherries.
Pro Tips:
Extra Indulgence: Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ganache Tip: For a shiny ganache, melt equal parts dark chocolate and heavy cream together.
Storage: Store leftovers at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Enjoy making and indulging in this sweet treat!