Step 1

Turn oven to 350F with the baking rack in the middle. Line four 8-inch round baking pans with foil or parchment. If using foil, spray the foil with non-stick spray. Wet the cake strips and fasten around each baking pan.

Step 2

In a bowl of a stand mixer whisk together 2 eggs and 1 cup of sugar. Then add 1 cup of sour cream, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1 cup of flour. Whisk everything until smooth.

Step 3

Divide the batter between two bowls. To one bowl add 1/3 cup dried poppy seeds and mix to incorporate. Pour this batter into one of the prepared 8-inch baking pans. To the second half add 1/2 cup roasted and chopped walnuts and mix to incorporate. Pour the batter into the second baking pan.

Step 4

Repeat step #1, but add 1/4 cup cocoa powder together with the flour before whisking until smooth.

Step 5

Divide the batter between two bowls. To one bowl add 1/2 a cup of well-drained canned cherries mixed with 1 tbsp of flour (this will help the cherries to not sink to the bottom) and gently fold. Pour the batter into the 3rd baking pan. To the second half of the chocolate cake batter add 1/4 cup white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips and mix to combine. Pour the batter into the 4th prepared baking pan.

Step 6

Place 4 baking pans into the oven, with the white cakes closer to the oven door and bake for about 20-30 minutes. Do not open the oven until at least 20 minutes into baking. The light cakes tend to bake faster, so check them with a toothpick first. If the toothpick comes out clean, remove the white cakes out while being careful not to keep the oven door open too long. Once a toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs from the chocolate cakes, remove them from the oven as well. Allow the cakes to cool in the baking pans for 5 minutes before inverting them onto a cooling rack and allowing them to cool completely.

Step 7

Make 1 recipe of this Dulce de Leche Buttercream with or without the 8 oz of the Cool Whip mentioned at the end of the recipe.This cake can also be made with 2 recipes of this Russian Buttercream.

Step 8

Combine the 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips and 1/4 cup hot heavy whipping cream and allow to sit for 1 minute. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.

Step 9

Split all cake layers horizontally into two (this step is optional, but I prefer it this way). Set aside 2 1/2 cups of the prepared Dulce de Leche Buttercream for decorating.

Step 10

Layer the cake with the remaining Dulce de Leche Buttercream, alternating chocolate, and white cake layers. Fasten a cake ring around the bottom of the cake, and an acetate strip to the top of the cake (that is not covered by the cake ring). Refrigerate for about 2-3 hours to make the cake sturdier and easier to decorate.

Step 11

Remove from the fridge. Carefully remove the cake ring and the acetate strip. Take 1/2 cup of the reserved Dulce de Leche Buttercream and set aside (for decorating the top).

Step 12

Cover the cake with the remaining buttercream and use a bench scraper to smooth out the sides. Place an 8-inch cardboard or bottom of an 8-inch baking pan on top of the frosted cake and continue evening out the sides for sharp edges. Then, carefully remove it and smooth the top with the spatula.

Step 13

Reheat the prepared chocolate ganache in the microwave for about 5-6 seconds (or until pourable) in 2-3 second increments, mixing after each. Pour over the top of the cake and spread out with an offset spatula, allowing the chocolate to drizzle down the cake.

Step 14

Fit a pastry bag with a St.Honore pastry tip (or any star tip), then fill with the reserved 1/2 cup of Dulce de Leche Buttercream and pipe a border around the top of the cake. Sprinkle the top with Milk and White Chocolate Crispearls and edible Gold Glitter if you wish.