Cherry Ripe Layer Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
2 cups water
2.5 cups caster sugar
250 g butter
0.5 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp bicarbonate soda
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups self raising flour
For the filling:
30 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
80 g icing sugar
2 tsp milk
1 drop Red food colouring
1 395g can condensed milk
200 g red glace cherries, chopped
3 cups desiccated coconut
Ganache icing:
1 cup pouring cream
300 g dark chocolate, chopped
Decoration:
Shaved coconut
Instructions
Step 1
To begin our Cherry Ripe Layer Cake, place the water, sugar, butter, cocoa & bicarbonate soda in a large saucepan over a medium heat.
Step 2
Cook, stirring until the butter has melted & the sugar has dissolved but do not boil. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl & allow to cool.
Step 3
Beat in the eggs & vanilla, then stir in the flour & mix well. Pour the mixture into 3 greased & lined 20cm cake pans.
Step 4
Bake using CircoTherm® at 160C for 35 to 40 minutes or until cooked.
Step 5
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on high speed until the butter has lightened in colour then slowly add the icing sugar until mixed adding the drop of red food colouring. Slowly add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time to soften the mixture.
Step 6
In a separate bowl, combine condensed milk, cherries, desiccated coconut, 1 drop of red food colouring. Combine both mixtures and set aside.
Step 7
To make the ganache icing, place the cream in a small saucepan over a medium heat & bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat & add the chocolate. Allow to stand for 5 to 10 minutes then mix well to combine. Cool slightly.
Step 8
When the cakes are cool place one cake onto a cake plate & spread with half the filling (if you find your cakes are not completely flat, shave the top as required).
Step 9
Place the second cake on top then spread with the remainder of the filling. Place the third cake on top & spread with the ganache icing as desired. Top with shaved coconut.
tip:
Please note: feel free to decorate the top of this Cherry Ripe Layer cake as you wish. Shaved coconut is available from specialty food stores.
