Indulgent Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake with Caramel Sauce

Introduction

Ready to impress your friends and family with a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious? This Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake combines moist chocolate layers, a rich ganache filling, and a silky caramel sauce. Topped with fresh cherries, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Follow this easy recipe to bake your way to perfection!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (90g) cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee or boiling water

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 1/2 cups (260g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

For Decoration:

• Fresh cherries
• Extra caramel for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
4. Slowly add the hot coffee or boiling water to the batter, mixing well. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.
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. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
3. Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until thickened but still spreadable.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep amber color.
2. Add the butter and stir until fully incorporated. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
3. Remove from heat and let the caramel cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of ganache on top.
2. Add the second cake layer and spread a thin layer of ganache over the top to smooth the surface.
3. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, letting it drip down the sides of the cake for a dramatic effect.

Step 5: Decorate the Cake

1. Arrange fresh cherries on top for an elegant and flavorful garnish.
2. Add an extra drizzle of caramel over the cherries for a glossy finish.
3. Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cake

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better texture.
• Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling to ensure it has the perfect consistency.
• For enhanced cherry flavor, brush the cake layers with cherry liqueur or syrup before assembling.
• Serve the cake slightly chilled for a clean presentation and a firmer texture.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake with Caramel Sauce is a dessert that combines rich chocolate, luscious caramel, and fresh cherries into one irresistible masterpiece. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this cake is sure to wow your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Try this recipe today and share your culinary success with everyone—happy baking!