If you are making the cherry cordials be sure to start those about 1 month ahead!! *see video for more
Preheat the oven to 350°F & Grease & parchment line your 2- 6" cake pans
First prepare the cherry cake layers by chopping the cherries to small bits & then combine all of the ingredients listed into a large mixing bowl & whisk by hand
Divide the batter evenly between your 2- 6" pans & bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or when they are springy to the touch when you gently press the centers
Cool the cakes in the pans until you can safely touch them, then flip the layers onto a cooling rack to cool the rest of the way
Wash & re-grease & parchment line the cake pans (now you will need 3) & prepare the chocolate cake as per the instructions on that recipe post. *Be careful of your math & measuring since you only need HALF RECIPE
While the cakes are baking/cooling prepare the buttercream recipe as per the instructions on that recipe post & then divide it into 2 bowls,
In one bowl you will only need about 1¾ cups & the rest of the buttercream will get some of the ganache to make it chocolate buttercream later
In the smaller portion you will add 2 teaspoons of cherry extract & some food color to make it pink.
Next prepare the ganache recipe according to the instructions on that page and once it is completely cool, but not set to firm, add about ¼ cup into the reserved buttercream to make it chocolate.
Once all of your recipes are prepared you can build the cake as shown in the video