Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the rich combination of fruit and chocolate, this Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe is a true must-try. It’s a delightful, moist chocolate cake filled with juicy cherries and covered in an irresistible chocolate frosting that’s both creamy and decadent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake promises to bring smiles and satisfy cravings with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are surprisingly simple yet crucial in achieving the perfect balance of flavors, texture, and color in the Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe. Each one plays its part in creating a moist, flavorful, and beautiful cake that’s sure to impress.

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cake for a tender crumb.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and become light.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for an extra fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides deep, rich chocolate flavor and a gorgeous color.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the chocolate.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a subtle caramel note and moisture to the batter.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s tender texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Reacts with baking soda to lighten and tenderize the crumb.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft for days.
• 1 cup hot water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and creates a smooth batter.
• 1 cup fresh or jarred maraschino cherries, chopped: Bursts of juicy fruit throughout the chocolatey goodness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: For the luscious chocolate frosting’s richness.
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Layers chocolate flavor into the frosting.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and aroma to the frosting.
• ¼ cup heavy cream: Makes the frosting creamy and spreadable.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled: Adds velvety smooth chocolate to the frosting.
• Cherries (fresh or maraschino) and chocolate shavings (optional): For beautiful garnish and extra flavor.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), a reliable temperature to bake even and moist cakes. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cakes come out perfectly without sticking, setting the stage for an easy assembly later on.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Sifting not only combines the ingredients but helps to aerate them, which leads to a lighter, fluffier cake. Set this mixture aside as you move on to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Take another large bowl and whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined and slightly fluffy. Stir in the buttermilk and vegetable oil, which will ensure the batter remains moist and tender. This balance of wet ingredients makes the cake irresistibly soft.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until the batter comes together. Then slowly pour in the hot water while stirring to achieve a smooth but somewhat thin batter. The hot water helps bloom the cocoa powder, giving the cake an intensely chocolatey punch.

Step 5: Add Chopped Cherries

Gently fold the chopped maraschino or fresh cherries into the batter. These fruity nuggets will add juicy bursts of flavor within the rich chocolate cake, creating a delicious and fun surprise in every bite.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. After baking, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key to prevent any frosting mishaps!

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the softened butter until creamy with an electric mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, blending until smooth. Add vanilla extract, salt, and the melted chocolate, stirring well. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, adjusting until your frosting reaches a luscious, spreadable consistency that melts in your mouth.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the layers are fully cooled, place one on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting across the top. Carefully stack the second layer and use the remaining frosting to cover the sides and top, creating a beautifully finished cake that invites everyone to dig in.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Decorate with whole cherries, chopped cherries, and optional chocolate shavings for a final touch that’s both stunning and flavorful. Then slice into generous servings and enjoy sharing this homemade treasure with friends and family.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing with fresh cherries or maraschino cherries adds a lovely pop of color and a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the rich chocolate perfectly. Chocolate shavings or curls bring an elegant touch and a delightful texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of cherry syrup to amplify the luscious flavors. Fresh berries on the side also pair wonderfully, providing a refreshing bite alongside your slice of cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking mini versions of this cake for individual servings or creating pretty layered glass trifles incorporating cake crumbs, cherry compote, and chocolate mousse. Another fun idea is to serve warm cake slices with a drizzle of melted chocolate or cherry liqueur for an extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for about four to five days. Make sure the cake is wrapped well or stored in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh.

Freezing

This Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cake layers separately in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and assembling, which makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert option.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, you can microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens and slightly melts the frosting, creating an indulgent experience just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter. Frozen cherries still provide that juicy burst you want without compromising texture.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds a slight tang and reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Be sure to choose one suitable for baking so you maintain the right texture.

What type of cherries work best?

Both fresh and jarred maraschino cherries work well. Fresh cherries add a natural tartness and texture, while maraschino cherries bring a sweeter, vibrant flavor and color that pops visually.

How long will the cake stay fresh after frosting?

Once assembled and frosted, the cake stays fresh at room temperature for about two days or refrigerated for up to five days. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent drying out.

Final Thoughts

Making the Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe is such a joyful experience, from mixing batter to admiring the glossy chocolate frosting crowned with cherries. This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavors that comes together effortlessly but tastes truly special. I encourage you to bake it soon and watch it become a favorite in your household, bringing warmth and delight to every occasion.

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