Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Stir in hot water or coffee. Batter will be thin.
5. Gently fold in cherry pie filling or fresh cherries, and chocolate chips if using.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
9. Dust with powdered sugar, glaze, or frost as desired before serving.