Ya Mon! Chocolate Rum Cake

Back from my vacation in Jamaica. My first cake to celebrate my trip. Why a two layered Chocolate Cherry RUM Cake of course! Finished off with buttercream icing and fondant accents.

Want to try it at home? Here is an easy recipe for you to follow:

Cake
1 package cake mix, chocolate
1 package pudding mix, instant chocolate, (4 servings)
4 large eggs
1/2 cup dark rum
1/2 cup water cold
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 small can cherry pie filling

Heat Oven to 350F. Grease and flour 2 8" cake pans.

Combine first ingredients in large bowl. Blend well then beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 mintues, or until done. Set aside to cool completly before frosting.

Buttercream Icing
1 cup shortening
1 tsp dark rum
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tblsp water
4 cups icing sugar
1 tblsp meringue powder
1/2 cup dark semi-sweet chocolate

Combine first 4 ingredients together in a large bowl. Blend together. Add in icing sugar and meringue powder. Melt semi-sweet chocolate, and combine and mix with icing.

Icing cake adding cherry filling between layers.