CHOCOLATE FOREST LAYER CAKE

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.