The Ultimate Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe: Pure Indulgence

Sweet memories often emerge when I whip up this decadent cherry chocolate cake that melts hearts instantly.

Childhood summers spent picking ripe cherries dance through my kitchen while mixing ingredients.

Layers of rich chocolate embrace tart cherries in a harmonious blend of flavors.

Nostalgic yet sophisticated, this dessert promises pure indulgence with every forkful.

Careful selection of quality cocoa and fresh cherries makes all the difference.

chocolate lovers and fruit enthusiasts unite – this cake delivers pure magic.

Ready to create something truly spectacular?

Jump in and let magic happen.

Decadent Cherry Chocolate Cake Details

• Easy Chocolate Cherry Delight creates a smooth baking experience for home cooks of all skill levels.
• This decadent cake looks professionally made but requires minimal technical baking skills, making it perfect for special gatherings and celebrations.
• The rich chocolate paired with tangy cherries offers a sophisticated taste profile that appeals to both adults and children, transforming an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary treat.
• With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe allows even novice bakers to produce a stunning cake that generates instant culinary admiration.

Cherry Chocolate Cake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide moisture to the cake.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and warmth to the chocolate flavor.
• Hot Water: Helps create a thin, smooth batter and intensifies the chocolate taste.

• Fresh or Frozen Cherries, Lemon Juice, Granulated Sugar: Create a sweet and tangy cherry filling.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious base for the chocolate ganache.
• Chocolate: Gives the ganache a rich, smooth chocolate flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds glossiness and richness to the ganache.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Whip Up the Cake Batter

Mix the dry ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

Crack in the eggs and pour in milk, oil, and vanilla.

Blend everything until super smooth.

Slowly add hot water to create a thin, silky batter that will make your cake incredibly moist.

Step 2: Bake the Chocolate Layers

Divide the batter equally between two greased cake pans.

Slide into a preheated oven at 350F.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Let the cakes rest in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 3: Create Luscious Cherry Filling

Toss cherries, sugar, and lemon juice into a saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Watch the cherries soften and release their juicy goodness for 5-7 minutes.

Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 4: Craft Silky Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer.

Pour the hot cream over chopped chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes.

Stir until glossy and smooth.

Add butter and mix until fully incorporated, creating a luxurious chocolate coating.

Step 5: Stack and Decorate the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of cherry filling across the top.

Carefully position the second cake layer.

Pour the ganache over the entire cake, letting it drip deliciously down the sides.

Allow the ganache to set for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Decadent Cherry Chocolate Cake

• Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content to enhance the rich, intense flavor of the ganache.
• Drain excess liquid from the cherry filling to prevent a soggy cake bottom and maintain a perfect texture.
• Add hot water gradually to create a tender, moist cake that doesn't dry out during baking.
• Refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes before serving to help the ganache set and achieve clean, beautiful slices.
• Use a cake turntable or flat plate for even ganache spreading and smooth cake assembly.

Storing and Reheating Cherry Chocolate Cake

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap individual cake slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check temperature and add additional 5-10 seconds if needed to prevent overheating.
• Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore texture and enhance flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas for Cherry Chocolate Cake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a rich, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the deep chocolate flavors and enhance the cherry's sweet-tart profile.
• Match with Espresso Delight: Serve a freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee alongside the cake to cut through the richness and provide a robust contrast to the sweet dessert.
• Create Vanilla Ice Cream Accompaniment: Top a slice of cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream to balance the intense chocolate and add a cool, smooth texture that melts beautifully with the warm cake.
• Explore Kirsch Liqueur Enhancement: Drizzle a small amount of cherry brandy (Kirsch) over the cake slice to intensify the cherry notes and add a sophisticated adult twist to the dessert.

Variations of Cherry Chocolate Cake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Delight: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend like almond or rice flour, ensuring those with celiac needs can enjoy this rich dessert without compromising taste.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Dream: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, coconut oil instead of regular oil, and dairy-free chocolate for ganache to create a compassionate version suitable for plant-based diets.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Treat: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free dark chocolate, and reduce cherry filling's sugar content for a diabetic-friendly alternative that maintains delicious flavor profiles.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Chocolate Creation: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut cream for ganache, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while preserving the cake's decadent texture.

FAQs

• How difficult is this cherry chocolate cake to make?

This cake requires intermediate baking skills. You’ll need to manage multiple steps like preparing cake batter, making cherry filling, and creating chocolate ganache. While not extremely complex, it does need careful attention to detail and some basic baking techniques.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

For cocoa powder, you can use dark or Dutch-processed cocoa. Instead of fresh cherries, frozen cherries work well. If you’re out of heavy cream for ganache, some bakers successfully use half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture might slightly change.

• What makes the cake's texture so moist?

The hot water in the batter helps create a soft, tender crumb. Additionally, the oil instead of butter contributes to keeping the cake incredibly moist. The ganache and cherry filling also add moisture when layered between cake sections.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

A stand mixer helps but isn’t mandatory. You’ll need two 9-inch round cake pans, a wire cooling rack, saucepans for filling and ganache, and basic measuring tools. A good whisk or electric hand mixer can replace a stand mixer effectively.

Decadent Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate layers mingle with luscious cherry essence in this irresistible Cherry Chocolate Cake. Silky ganache and fresh cherries create a sublime dessert that will delight chocolate enthusiasts seeking pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot water

Cherries and Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 8 ounces (226 grams) semisweet or dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Craft the cake batter by combining dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla into the mixture until silky and uniform. Gradually incorporate hot water, creating a surprisingly thin yet perfect consistency.
2. Divide the batter between two greased 9-inch cake pans at 350F (175C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean from the center. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
3. Develop the cherry compote by simmering cherries with sugar and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir periodically, allowing fruits to soften and release natural juices for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
4. Create luxurious chocolate ganache by heating cream until it reaches a gentle simmer. Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate, allowing it to rest for 5 minutes. Whisk until glossy and smooth, then incorporate butter for additional richness.
5. Construct the cake by positioning first layer on a serving plate. Generously spread cherry filling across the surface. Carefully place second cake layer on top. Drizzle ganache evenly, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow ganache to set perfectly.

Notes

• Customize cake texture by adjusting liquid levels slightly for altitude or humidity variations.
• Ensure chocolate ganache remains glossy by using room temperature butter and high-quality chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content.
• Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly version, maintaining same proportions for consistent moisture.
• Cool cake layers completely before adding cherry filling to prevent structural collapse and maintain clean layering.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg