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.

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable.

Step 10

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.

Step 11

Garnish the cake with maraschino cherries, spacing them evenly around the top of the cake.

Step 12

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

Serving size	1921.5 grams (1921.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6467

Total Fat 314.10g	403%
Saturated Fat 175.30g	877%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 1259mg	420%
Sodium 3573mg	155%
Total Carbohydrate 856.60g	311%
Dietary Fiber 32.20g	115%
Total Sugars 565.30g
Protein 88.70g	177%

Vitamin D 291IU	1454%
Calcium 697mg	54%
Iron 42mg	231%
Potassium 2875mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.8%

Protein: 5.4%

Carbs: 51.9%