Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, cherry brandy, and sugar.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the cherries are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool.
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create four layers in total.
Place one layer of cake on a serving platter. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake and top with a portion of the cherry filling.
Repeat with the remaining cake layers, whipped cream, and cherry filling, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate and fresh cherries.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Enjoy your meal!