For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Loaf Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Make Chocolate Cake:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
3. Bake Chocolate Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
4. Make Cherry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cherries are softened. Remove from heat and let it cool.