Riverdale Diner Cake
Indulge in the nostalgic charm of the *Riverdale Diner Cake*, a decadent dessert that feels like it’s straight out of a retro American diner. This luscious layered cake combines tender, fluffy vanilla cake with a rich, glossy dark chocolate ganache that drapes effortlessly over the sides. Hints of buttermilk in the batter create a moist, tangy crumb, while a crown of vibrant maraschino cherries completes the picture-perfect presentation. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a slice of classic Americana. Whether served with coffee, milkshakes, or your favorite diner-inspired dish, this showstopper will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1.5 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 maraschino cherries
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using a stand or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk in three additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and gently tap the pans on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the ganache, place the dark chocolate chips in a heat-resistant bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes.
Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin, even layer of ganache over the top. Add the second layer of cake, then pour the remaining ganache over the top and sides, spreading it with an offset spatula until smooth.
Garnish the cake with maraschino cherries, spacing them evenly around the top of the cake.
Let the cake set at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up the ganache before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6467 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 314.1 g | 403% | |
| Saturated Fat | 175.3 g | 876% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1259 mg | 420% | |
| Sodium | 3573 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 856.6 g | 311% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.2 g | 115% | |
| Total Sugars | 565.3 g | ||
| Protein | 88.7 g | 177% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.3 mcg | 36% | |
| Calcium | 697 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 41.5 mg | 231% | |
| Potassium | 2875 mg | 61% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
