Chocolate Cake with Cherry Pie Filling

Ingredients

• 400 g (14 oz) chocolate, finely chopped, 40% cocoa content
• 320 ml (1 cup + 1/3 cup) heavy cream, full fat (30% minimum)
• 90 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter - diced
• 200 g (0.45lbs) pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 35 g (3 Tbsp) fine sugar
• 15 ml (1 Tbsp) lemon juice
• 10 g (1 Tbsp) cornstarch
• 1/2 tablespoon Kirsch (optional)
• 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 75 g (3/4 cup) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 200 g (1 cup) fine sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) milk
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 90 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil- neutral flavor
• 10 fresh cherries