Description
This Chocolate Cherry Cake with Mascarpone Frosting is a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion, featuring rich chocolate layers and a sweet cherry filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- Additional cherries (for garnish)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and well mixed.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook until the mixture thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Once the cakes have cooled, place the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of mascarpone frosting, followed by the cherry filling. Repeat for the second layer.
- Place the third cake layer on top. Use the remaining mascarpone frosting to coat the top and sides of the cake.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over the top of the assembled cake. Let it drip down the sides for a beautiful effect.
- Decorate with fresh cherries on top and sprinkle chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to let the cakes cool completely before assembling to avoid melting the frosting.
- For best results, use fresh cherries when in season.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg