Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add in the white sugar, brown sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Turn the mixer on medium speed and mix the dry ingredients together well.

Step 3

With the mixer running, gradually add in the eggs one at a time. Then, add in the milk and oil and mix until incorporated.

Step 4

Remove the bowl from the mixer and stir in the hot water. This will make the mixture pretty thin, which is the goal for this batter.

Step 5

Prepare three round 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Cut circles out of the parchment just slightly smaller than the bottom of the pan. Spray the pan with cooking spray, and then place the parchment round in the bottom of each.

Step 6

Scoop batter into each cake pan. Evenly divide the batter between the three pans, adding about 2-1/4 cups of batter to each.

Step 7

Bake the cakes at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are no longer gooey. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to fully cool.

Step 8

While the cakes are cooling, make the whipped cream topping. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the heavy whipping cream. Begin whipping the cream on medium speed for about 5 minutes. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and continue whipping. Turn the mixer speed up to continue whipping the mixture until soft peaks form.

Step 9

Assemble the cake once the chocolate cake rounds are completely cooled. Place one cake round down on a plate or cake board. Use a sharp knife to cut across the cake horizontally to even it out. Brush the liquid syrup from the cherries onto the top of the cake, and then top it with a layer of whipped cream. Add an even layer of cherries, and then add a bit more whipped cream. Repeat this step with the next layer, and then finish with the final cake layer.

Step 10

Use a flat spatula to smooth whipped cream around the entire cake. Use a cake scraper to achieve the "naked" exterior look. Top your cake with leftover cake crumbles, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries for garnish.