For the Cake
3/4 cup kirsch
1 cup pitted dried cherries
Baking spray
2 cups (about 14 ounces) granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (about 8 3/4 ounces)
1 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup boiling water
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

For the Topping
2 1/2 cups heavy or whipping cream, chilled
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
3 cups (about 36 ounces) pitted fresh cherries, quartered
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped