Making Chocolate Cherry Cake is a delightful process. Follow these simple steps to create this amazing dessert:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well blended.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
5. Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the pitted cherries and chocolate chips, if using.
6. Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting over the top. Add the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
10. Garnish: Decorate the top with fresh cherries, if desired, for a beautiful finish.

By following these steps, you’ll create a stunning Chocolate Cherry Cake that’s sure to impress!