Say Hello to Your New Favorite Dessert: Chocolate Cherry Dome Cake!

INGREDIENTS

For the Chocolate Cake Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

For the Chocolate Mousse:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (cold)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
• 1 tbsp corn syrup (for shine)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the Cake Base:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round cake pan.
   In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
   Mix in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk until smooth.
   Pour into pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
   In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat.
   Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tbsp water, then stir into the cherry mixture.
   Cook until thickened. Add almond extract. Cool.
3. Make the Chocolate Mousse:
   Melt chocolate and set aside to cool slightly.
   Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
   Gently fold melted chocolate into whipped cream until combined. Chill for 10–15 minutes.
4. Assemble the Dome:
   Line a bowl (or dome mold) with plastic wrap.
   Spread a layer of mousse into the mold.
   Add a layer of cherry filling, then more mousse.
   Top with a round cut-out of the chocolate cake to seal the dome.
   Cover and freeze for 4 hours or until firm.
5. Make the Chocolate Glaze:
   Heat heavy cream until just simmering.
   Pour over chocolate and corn syrup. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
   Let cool slightly before using.
6. Final Assembly:
   Unmold the frozen dome onto a wire rack with a tray underneath.
   Pour glaze over the dome to fully coat. Let set briefly, then transfer to a serving plate.
   Decorate with extra cherries or chocolate shavings if desired.

Would you like a simplified version or one with substitutions (e.g., egg-free or no-bake)?