For the Chocolate Cake Layers

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)

Why coffee? Hot coffee deepens the cocoa flavor and makes the chocolate taste richer without making the cake taste like coffee.

For the Cherry Filling

• 4 cups cherries (fresh pitted, frozen thawed, or canned)
• ½ cup sugar (adjust depending on cherry sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• (Optional) 1–2 tablespoons cherry juice for extra flavor

For the Whipped Cream Frosting

• 3 cups heavy whipping cream (very cold)
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix (optional stabilizer)

For Decorating

• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Whole cherries (fresh or maraschino)
• Extra cocoa powder (optional dusting)