🧁 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
  
  

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups (400g) Morello cherries, drained (reserve juice)

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• ⅛ tsp almond extract

• ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
  
  

For the Whipped Cream:

• 3 cups (720ml) heavy whipping cream

• ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract
  
  

For Assembly:

• ½ cup (120ml) cherry juice (from drained cherries)

• Chocolate shavings or curls

• Fresh cherries with stems

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Sponge Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat 2 minutes on medium speed.

4. Slowly mix in boiling water on low speed until combined; batter will be thin.

5. Divide evenly into pans. Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
   
   

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. Combine reserved cherry juice, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, almond extract, and cinnamon in a saucepan.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened and boiling.

3. Fold in drained cherries and cool to room temperature.
   
   

Step 3: Prepare Whipped Cream

1. Beat chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on medium-high until stiff peaks form.
   
   

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Slice cakes horizontally to make 4 layers.

2. Place the first layer on a serving plate. Brush with cherry juice, spread whipped cream, then add cherry filling.

3. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost the top with whipped cream and decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.