I hadn’t planned to show this cake, as I wasn’t going to fuss about it. Normally, I just grab things from the cupboard, mix, and bake. Especially this time, since I only planned to make a simple, easy, no-fuss chocolate cake using some extra ingredients I already had. The kind of cake that’s simply a joy to eat: messy, dripping, and Mmm! But while I was making it, I took a few pictures along the way… and ended up wanting to share it with you anyway, as it turned out delicious. So here it is... No-Fuss Chocolate Cake with Butterscotch Filling, Glazed Cherries & Chocolate Ganache Ingredients For the Cake: 1¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar 1½ tsp (6 g) baking powder 1½ tsp (6 g) baking soda ½ tsp (3 g) salt 2 large eggs 1 cup (240 ml) milk ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract 1 cup (240 ml) hot water, milk, or coffee For the Butterscotch Filling: 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract Pinch of salt For the Chocolate Ganache: 1 cup (240 ml) sweetened condensed milk ½ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted) 2 tbsp (28 g) butter ¼ tsp (2 ml) vanilla extract (optional) For Decoration: Glazed cherries Chocolate flakes or shavings Instructions Bake the Cake:

Mix the dry ingredients.

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.

Stir in the hot water, milk or coffee if preferred, for some depth.

Divide batter into two greased 8-inch (20 cm) pans.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes.

Cool completely. Make the Butterscotch Filling:

Add butter and brown sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt to a pan and heat up gently.

Simmer until thickened. Let cool slightly. Make the Chocolate Ganache:

Mix condensed milk, vanilla and sifted cocoa powder (no heat needed).

Stir until smooth. Assemble the Cake:

Spread the butterscotch on top of the bottom cake layer.

Carefully place the other half on top.

Pour the chocolate ganache over the top so it drips down the sides.

Decorate with glazed cherries.

Add chocolate flakes.

A rich chocolate cake with creamy butterscotch filling, glossy ganache dripping down the sides, and a topping of glazed cherries and chocolate flakes.

This turned out wonderfully delicious and comforting, the kind of cake that makes you go back for “just one more bite.” Have a lovely day. Mariah

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