For the chocolate cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup hot water or brewed coffee

For the cherry filling:

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or 2 cups pitted cherries in syrup

1 tbsp cornstarch (if thickening)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp Kirsch (optional)

For the chocolate ganache:

6 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp butter

Optional toppings:

Whipped cream

Fresh cherries

Chocolate curls or shavings