Instructions

1. Prepare the cakes according to directions in 2 8 or 9 inch rounds. Allow the cake to cool completely and remove from the pans.
2. While the cakes cool, strain the heavy syrup out of the cherries into a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to brush the syrup all over the cake*, making sure you can get into any nooks and crannies. Reserve the left over syrup to drizzle over the cherries and whipped cream.
3. While the syrup soaks into the cakes, make the whipped cream frosting. Use a hand mixer to beat the whipped cream in a bowl until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Then dust in the powdered sugar, continuing to beat the cream until medium stiff peaks form no streaks of powdered sugar remain.
4. Place one layer of the cake on a cake stand or whatever plate you are planning on serving the cake on. Spread half of the whipped cream onto the cake and top with the all drained cherries (you’ll use fresh ones for the top so no need to save any). Drizzle with some of the remaining syrup if desired, making sure you leave some of it for the top. It’s okay if this is messy! Repeat with the other cake layer and top with the fresh cherries. Drizzle with the remainder of the syrup and top with chocolate shavings if desired.