CHOCOLATE CHERRY ICEBOX CAKE

Steps:

• Pour 3 cups whipping cream in the bowl of a stand mixer, then add 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Scrape the whipped cream out of the bowl and set aside for cake assembly.
• Pour the remaining 3 cups whipping cream into the stand mixer bowl, then add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract and remaining 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Set this chocolate whipped cream aside for cake assembly.
• Assemble the cake on a round serving platter or cake stand. Place 2 tablespoons of the plain whipped cream in the center of the platter. Spread it into a very thin layer, forming a 10-inch round to secure the first layer of wafers. Place 9 wafers, side by side, around the inner edge of whipped cream. Fill the center of the wafer circle with 3 more wafers (break 1 of the 3 wafers in half to fill the center neatly like a puzzle).
• Spread a third of the chocolate whipped cream (about 1 cup) in an even layer on top of the wafers using a small offset spatula. Be sure to push the whipped cream almost to the edge of the wafers, leaving just a bit of the wafers exposed. Repeating the same pattern, make another wafer layer with 12 wafers. Next, place a third of the whipped cream (about 1 cup) on top of the wafers in an even layer. Top the whipped cream with another layer of wafers. Repeat this process to create 4 more layers, alternating between the plain whipped cream and chocolate whipped cream, each separated by a layer of 12 wafers. Place the cake into the refrigerator to set up 8 hours or up to overnight.
• For the cherry sauce: Meanwhile, combine the frozen cherries, granulated sugar, honey, salt, lemon juice and 1/2 cup tart cherry juice in a medium saucepot. Cook over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves and the cherries soften, about 8 minutes. Whisk the cornstarch with the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of tart cherry juice in a small mixing bowl to create a slurry. Drizzle the slurry into the cherry mixture, stirring constantly, then cook at a low simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce develops a smooth velvety texture, 2 to 3 minutes. Put the sauce in the refrigerator to cool until the icebox cake is ready to serve.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator. Top with the cold cherry sauce and serve immediately.