Prepare the cake the evening before serving to give the biscuits enough time to soften overnight.

Fresh pitted cherries can be substituted for frozen cherries in the compote.

Frozen raspberries or mixed berries can replace the cherries for a different fruit flavor.

For a chocolate variation, add finely chopped dark chocolate between the layers.

Digestive biscuits can be replaced with almond-flavored biscuits.

For extra pistachio flavor, scatter finely chopped pistachios between some of the cream layers.

Full-fat cream cheese can be used instead of mascarpone, although the filling will be tangier and have a slightly different texture.

For clean slices, use a large sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts.

Store covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within about 3 days.

Individual slices can be wrapped and frozen, then thawed gradually in the refrigerator before serving.