Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper circles. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2 cups granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each egg fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Stir in the hot water (or coffee) until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: While the cakes cool, prepare the cherry compote. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of pitted cherries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cherries are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This cherry compote is a key element of the Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake Recipe.
Step 6: To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Beat in the vanilla extract. Add milk or heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. This rich frosting is what makes our Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake Recipe so special.
Step 7: Once the cake layers are completely cool, assemble the cake. Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread about 1/2 cup of frosting evenly over the top. Spoon half of the cooled cherry compote over the frosting, leaving a small border. Place the second cake layer on top, repeat with frosting and the remaining compote. Top with the third cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the entire Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake Recipe with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings, if desired. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake Recipe!