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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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