Cherry Chocolate Layer Cake
Heads will turn when you bring this unforgettable cake to the table. And the attention will only increase when you start cutting—revealing the creamy, luscious cherry filling. —Victoria Faulling, Methuen, Massachusetts
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1-1/4 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup baking cocoa
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cups buttermilk
- FILLING:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans
- 2/3 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- FROSTING:
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup baking cocoa
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/3 cup half-and-half cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate curls and maraschino cherry, optional
