Chocolate and Sour Cherry Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 can (21 oz) sour cherries, drained and patted dry
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper and grease the paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another mixing bowl, beat buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients until well combined. Gradually stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
5. Divide the batter equally between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
7. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherry preserves and a tablespoon of water. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the preserves are melted and syrupy.
8. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spoon half of the cherry preserves over the cake, then add half of the sour cherries on top.
9. Place the second cake layer on top of the cherries. Spoon the rest of the cherry preserves over the cake, then add the rest of the sour cherries on top.
10. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second increments, stirring after each until they are fully melted.
11. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the cake.
12. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.

Verdict:

This Chocolate and Sour Cherry Cake is the perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors. The cake itself is moist and chocolatey, while the sour cherries add a burst of tanginess. The cherry preserves and chocolate drizzle on top take it to the next level.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. It also pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy!