Beat butter and sugar until fluffy and light.

Add eggs, one by one, mixing well each time.

In a separate bowl, mix all dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients alternately with milk (or kefir) — just until combined.

Pour into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.

Spread cherries evenly on top

Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 40–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

If you like it richer and darker, add 1 extra tbsp of cocoa powder.

For a softer, moister texture, replace 2 tbsp of butter with 2 tbsp of vegetable oil.

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate after cooling.