Dad's Birthday Cake

My dad loved this cake. He requested it each year on his birthday. It quickly became my brother's favorite cake. As my sisters and I got married, our husbands fell in love with this cake too. Needless to say, it's a popular cake in our family and we have it at least a few times a year. Each year since my dad passed away we have had a party on his birthday. We eat his favorite cake every time. It was my turn to make it this year.

Cherry Chocolate Cake

2 cups plus 1 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 ounces melted unsweetened chocolate

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9" round cake pans. Measure all ingredients into a large bowl. Blend for 30 seconds at low speed, scraping bowl constantly. Increase speed to high and beat for 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour evenly into pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool.

When cake has cooled, slice two round layers of cake in half. Place one layer on a large plate then spread cool whip on top. Add another layer of cake and spread half a can of cherry pie filling on top. Add another layer of cake and spread with cool whip. Add final layer of cake and spread with remainder of cherry pie filling. Frost sides of cake with cool whip and refrigerate.

This cake tastes great right away, but gets better if it sits in the fridge for at least a few hours before serving.