Dreamy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe: Elegant Sweetness Awaits

Crafting a decadent chocolate cherry cake promises pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts.

Rich cocoa notes dance alongside sweet, plump cherries in this irresistible treat.

Layers of moist chocolate promise a luxurious experience that melts in your mouth.

Seasonal cherries bring bright, tangy bursts through each delectable slice.

Deep chocolate undertones complement the fruit’s natural sweetness perfectly.

Baking this cake feels like creating edible art with minimal effort.

You’ll want to savor every delightful bite of this classic dessert combination.

Chocolate Cherry Cake Bursting with Rich Flavor

• Delight in Decadence: A rich chocolate cake that satisfies deep dessert cravings with its intense cocoa flavor and sweet cherry surprise.
• Master with Ease: Simple mixing technique makes this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, requiring just basic kitchen tools and standard ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, and family gatherings where everyone craves a showstopping chocolate treat that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.
• Versatile Celebration Cake: Easily adaptable for special occasions, whether you want a casual weekend dessert or an elegant party centerpiece that wows guests with minimal preparation time.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The base foundation that provides structure for the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Assists with cake's leavening and helps balance the acidic ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic sweet flavor to the cake.
• Boiling Water: Helps thin the batter and activate the cocoa powder's flavor.

• Cherry Pie Filling, Chocolate Chips: Provide additional flavor and decorative finish to the cake.

How to Make Moist and Flavorful Chocolate Cherry Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Lovingly prepare two round cake pans by greasing and dusting them with flour to ensure a smooth cake release.

Step 2: Create The Dry Foundation

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly integrated.

Step 3: Introduce Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Whip everything together using a mixer on medium speed for two full minutes until the batter becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Magical Liquid

Gently stir in boiling water, which will transform your batter into a wonderfully thin consistency.

Mix thoroughly until everything is harmoniously combined.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Evenly distribute the batter between your prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced layers.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pans into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes.

Then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks and allow them to cool completely.

Step 8: Cherry Layer Assembly

Spread a luscious layer of cherry pie filling atop one cake layer.

Gently place the second cake layer on top.

Step 9: Final Chocolate Flourish

Melt chocolate chips and drizzle elegantly over the cake for a stunning finishing touch before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Mix dry ingredients thoroughly and avoid overmixing batter to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
• Add boiling water to activate cocoa's rich flavor and create a tender, moist cake crumb.
• Spread pie filling evenly and close to edges to prevent filling from oozing out when cutting.
• Melt chocolate chips in short microwave bursts or using a double boiler for smooth, glossy finish.
• Let cake layers cool entirely before adding cherry filling to prevent structural collapse and maintain cake's integrity.

Flavorful Twists for Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Cherry Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and swap oil for coconut oil to create a dairy-free, egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Treat: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and replace traditional cherry pie filling with fresh cherries or sugar-free cherry preserves for a healthier option.
• Almond-Infused Chocolate Cherry Cake: Add almond extract alongside vanilla, and sprinkle sliced almonds between layers or on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Sweet Cherry Centerpiece: Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand with fresh cherries scattered around the base for an elegant, eye-catching display.
• Decadent Chocolate Drizzle: Create artistic chocolate swirls on each slice using melted dark or white chocolate for extra visual appeal and rich flavor.
• Fresh Cream Companion: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream to complement the cake's deep chocolate and cherry notes.
• Coffee Pairing Delight: Offer the cake with a hot espresso or cappuccino to enhance the chocolate's intensity and provide a classic dessert experience.

How to Store Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days in a covered cake carrier or container with a tight-fitting lid, away from direct sunlight.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best results, let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh pitted cherries. Cook them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a similar filling consistency.

• Is this cake good for people who don't like super sweet desserts?

The cake balances chocolate’s richness with a tart cherry flavor, making it less overwhelmingly sweet and more complex in taste.

• What type of cocoa powder works best for this recipe?

Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor compared to natural cocoa powder, enhancing the cake’s overall taste.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture and structure.

Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate cherry cake blends rich cocoa with sweet cherries for a delightful dessert. Layers of moist chocolate and tart cherry compote create a memorable experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1.75 cups (420 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water

Filling and Optional Ingredients:

• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and prepare two 9-inch round baking pans with grease and flour coating.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute evenly.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients – eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract – into the dry mixture, blending on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes until smooth and consistent.
4. Gently fold in boiling water, stirring until the batter becomes completely integrated; note that the consistency will appear thin and liquid.
5. Distribute the batter equally between the prepared baking pans, ensuring even coverage.
6. Position pans in preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center – it should emerge clean without batter residue.
7. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks to reach room temperature.
8. Apply cherry pie filling across the surface of the first cake layer, then carefully position the second layer on top.
9. Optional: Melt chocolate chips and create an elegant drizzle pattern over the cake’s surface just before serving to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk to make the cake dairy-free and lighter in texture.
• Add a splash of kirsch or cherry liqueur to the cherry pie filling for an adult version with deeper flavor complexity.
• Use gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute to accommodate wheat-sensitive guests, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender.
• Reduce sugar by 25% and use dark cocoa powder for a more intense, less sweet chocolate experience that highlights the rich cherry notes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 343 kcal
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 255 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg