Chocolate Cherry Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°.
2. 2
   Cut maraschino cherries in half; set aside.
3. 3
   In a small mixing bowl, beat 2 egg whites at high speed, scraping bowl often, until soft peaks form; set aside.
4. 4
   In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 egg yolks, 2 cups sugar, butter and chocolate.
5. 5
   Beat at medium speed until well mixed.
6. 6
   Add flour, baking soda and salt alternately with cherry buttermilk mixture. Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
7. 7
   Fold in cherries, then egg whites.
8. 8
   Pour into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round pans.
9. 9
   Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
10. 10
    Cool about 5 minutes.
11. 11
    Remove from pans, then cool completely before frosting between each layer and entire cake.