𝗔 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 & 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• ½ cup fresh or frozen cherries (optional, for extra texture)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

For Garnish:

• Fresh cherries (optional)
• Shaved chocolate or chocolate curls

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
4. Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 2: Prepare the Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
3. Let the ganache cool slightly to thicken.

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Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cherry pie filling (and fresh/frozen cherries if using) evenly over the top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top. Pour the ganache over the entire cake, letting it drip down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.

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Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Decorate the top of the cake with fresh cherries and chocolate curls or shavings.
2. Let the cake sit for 30 minutes to set the ganache before slicing and serving.

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Tips for Success

• Cherry Filling: For a homemade touch, cook fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch to create your own filling.
• Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too thick, warm it slightly. If too thin, let it cool a bit longer.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Enjoy this Chocolate & Cherry Masterpiece—a showstopping dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious! 🍫🍒