Chocolate cake: – 2cupall-purpose flour – 2cupsgranulated sugar – 1cupDutch unsweetened cocoa powdersifted – 8ounceschocolatechopped and melted – 2teaspoonbaking soda – 1teaspoonbaking powder – 1teaspoonsalt – 1/2cupvegetable oil – 1cupbuttermilkroom temperature – 1cuphot water – 2tablespoonsespresso – 4large egg – 1teaspoonvanilla – 1teaspooncherry liqueur Cherry liqueur syrup: – 4cupsbing cherriespitted – 1/2cupgranulated sugar – 1/2cupwater – 1/4cupcherry liqueur Whipped cream frosting: – 3cupwhipping creamcold – 1/4cuppowdered sugarsifted Garnish: – 12Maraschino cherrie – 1cupchocolate shaving
Finish cakes on wire racks after 10 minutes in pans.Stir sugar and water in a small pot over medium heat to boil.Simmer 1 minute, then add cherries and liqueur. Cool completely before using.