Ingredients

for the chocolate cake-

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup dutch processed cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules such as Folger’s (optional)
3/4 cup vegetable oil canola oil
2 cups granulated sugar
2 whole eggs
1 egg white

for the cherry filling and chocolate syrup layer-

1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups tart cherries frozen or canned (drained) + extra for garnish if not using fresh
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
6 tablespoons chocolate syrup divided

for the whipped cream and toppings-

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
8 oz bittersweet baking chocolate I used Ghirardelli (2 bars)
8-12 fresh cherries optional, for garnish