Ingredients
For the Chocolate Sponge (3 layers):
5 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
300ml heavy cream (cold)
200g mascarpone or cream cheese
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Layer:
2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For the Ganache:
200g dark chocolate, finely chopped
150ml heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for shine)
Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
Fresh cherries
Chocolate chunks or curls
Whipped cream swirls
Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Sponge:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and tripled in volume (about 5–6 minutes).
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Gently fold until just combined.
Divide the batter into three small round pans and bake for 12–14 minutes.
Let them cool completely.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a saucepan, heat the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice until juicy.
Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
Let cool.
- Make the Vanilla Cream:
Beat the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip the cold cream to soft peaks.
Gently fold into the mascarpone mixture until creamy.
- Assemble the Dome:
Line a round bowl or dome mold with plastic wrap.
Place one layer of cake at the bottom.
Spread vanilla cream, dot with cherry filling.
Repeat with remaining layers.
End with a layer of cake on top.
Press gently and chill for 2 to 4 hours.
- Make the Ganache:
Heat the cream until simmering.
Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
Stir until smooth and glossy, then add butter.
- Unmold & Glaze:
Invert the cake onto a serving plate and peel off the plastic.
Pour ganache over the dome, letting it flow naturally.
- Decorate & Serve:
Garnish with fresh cherries, chocolate curls, and whipped cream swirls.
Let sit for 30 minutes before slicing.
Slice, serve, and enjoy this dreamy chocolate cherry dome!