Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup hot water

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

1 cup dark chocolate ganache (for topping)

Fresh cherries (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until smooth. Stir in hot water until the batter is well-blended.

Add Cherries: Gently fold in pitted and halved cherries. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.