Preparation

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until smooth.
• Incorporate Hot Water: Gradually stir in boiling water until the batter is well combined. The mixture will be thin.
• Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
• Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
• Prepare Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
• Layer the Cake: Once completely cool, slice each cake in half horizontally. Place one layer on a serving platter.
• Add Cherries: Spread some of the reserved cherry juice over the first layer, followed by a portion of the whipped cream and a layer of cherries.
• Repeat Layers: Add the next cake layer and repeat the process until all layers are constructed. Finish with the last layer on top.
• Decorate: Top the cake with the remaining whipped cream and garnish with dark chocolate shavings and cherries.