Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe: The sweet and indulgent combination of cherries and chocolate – a heavenly match! Our Cherry Chocolate Cake is a decadent delight that satisfies any sweet tooth.

This moist and flavorful cake features fresh cherries and rich, velvety chocolate. It is the perfect treat for any occasion and is sure to impress friends and family alike.

Whether you’re celebrating a special birthday or anniversary or just need a sweet pick-me-up, our Cherry Chocolate Cake is the perfect indulgence.

Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe: A Quick Overview

Category	Description
Recipe Description	Moist and decadent cherry chocolate cake filled with sweet cherry filling and topped with rich chocolate ganache
Preparation Time	30 minutes
Cooking Time	40 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 10 minutes
Type of Dish	Dessert
Cuisine of Recipe	American
Quantity Produced	8-10 servings
Number of Calories	420 per serving

About Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Our Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe is a masterclass in flavour and texture, combining cherries’ sweetness with the chocolate’s richness.

This moist and decadent cake is packed with fresh cherries, adding juicy flavour to each bite. The deep, velvety chocolate perfectly balances the cherries, which adds a luxurious and indulgent touch to the cake.

This cake will satisfy any sweet tooth with a tender crumb and a rich, fudgy frosting. Whether you’re a fan of fruit and chocolate or just looking for a new dessert to impress your friends and family, our Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe is a must-try.

Why does Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe Stand Out?

• Unique Flavor Combination: The combination of rich, velvety chocolate and sweet tart cherries creates a delightful flavour experience that sets this cake apart from others.
• Moist and Fudgy Texture: The recipe’s use of buttermilk and sour cream ensures a moist and tender crumb, while adding melted chocolate creates a fudgy and indulgent texture.
• Elegant Presentation: The cake’s rustic, swirled design and the pop of colour from the cherries make it a stunning centrepiece for any gathering or celebration.
• Customizable: The recipe allows for flexibility in terms of cherry type and amount, allowing you to tailor the flavor to your taste preferences.
• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, the recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: The cake’s rich, decadent flavor and elegant presentation make it an ideal choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
• Can be Made Ahead: The cake can be prepared and refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
• Impressive and Delicious: The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly impressive and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family.

What are the ingredients in the Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe?

• All-purpose flour: 2 ¾ cups
• Granulated sugar: 1 ½ cups
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1 cup
• Whole milk: 1 cup
• Eggs: 2 large
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup
• Buttermilk: 1 cup
• Sour cream: 1 cup
• Maraschino cherries: 1 cup
• Semisweet chocolate chips: 1 cup
• Heavy cream: 1 cup

Must-Have Equipment for Making Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

• 9-inch Round Cake Pan: A non-stick or greased and floured cake pan to bake the cake.
• Electric Mixer: A stand mixer or handheld electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar, and mix the batter.
• Whisk: A balloon whisk or flat whisk to mix the wet ingredients and incorporate air into the batter.
• Rubber Spatula: A heat-resistant rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and fold in the cherries.
• Measuring Cups: Dry and liquid measuring cups to accurately measure the ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure the baking powder, salt, and other small ingredients.
• Electric Scale: Optional, but recommended for accurate weight measurements.
• Parchment Paper: To line the cake pan and prevent the cake from sticking.
• Oven Thermometer: To ensure the oven is at the correct temperature (350°F).
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cake after baking.
• Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl: To melt the chocolate for the ganache.
• Spatula or Whisk: To mix and smooth the ganache.

Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe: step by step guide

Preparing the Ingredients

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Melt the chocolate and let it cool slightly. Add it to the mixture and mix until smooth.

Assembling the Cake

• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level them, if necessary.

Assembling and Decorating the Cake

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cherry filling on top.
• Repeat the process with the remaining two cake layers, creating a stacked cake.
• Melt the chocolate and heavy cream in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
• Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
• Decorate the cake with fresh cherries, if desired.

Perfect Pairings for Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Beverages:

• Coffee: A classic combination that pairs the richness of the chocolate with the boldness of the coffee.
• Hot Chocolate: For a decadent treat, pair the cake with a rich and creamy hot chocolate.
• Earl Grey Tea: The bergamot flavor in the tea complements the sweetness of the cherries and chocolate.

Fresh Fruits:

• Fresh Cherries: A natural pairing that enhances the cherry flavor in the cake.
• Sliced Strawberries: A sweet and refreshing combination that pairs well with the richness of the chocolate.

Ice Cream and Whipped Cream:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic combination that pairs the creaminess of the ice cream with the richness of the chocolate.
• Whipped Cream: Top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the dense cake.

Nuts and Crunch:

• Chopped Nuts: Add some crunch to the cake by sprinkling chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts on top.
• Chocolate Shavings: Add some extra chocolatey goodness by sprinkling shaved chocolate on top of the cake.

Sauces and Syrups:

• Chocolate Ganache: The ultimate pairing for the cake, as it adds an extra layer of richness and chocolatey goodness.
• Caramel Sauce: A sweet and salty combination that pairs well with the tartness of the cherries.

Mastering Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe: Insider Tips and Tricks

Cake:

• Use high-quality cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder gives a deeper, richer flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined to prevent a dense cake.
• Use buttermilk: The acidity helps to react with the baking soda and creates a tender crumb.

Cherry Filling:

• Use fresh cherries: Fresh cherries give a brighter, more intense flavor than maraschino cherries.
• Don’t overcook: Cook the cherry filling until the cherries are just tender to preserve their texture.
• Add a splash of liqueur: Add a teaspoon of cherry liqueur or Kirsch to enhance the cherry flavor.

Chocolate Ganache:

• Use high-quality chocolate: Choose a high-cocoa-content chocolate for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Don’t overheat: Heat the cream until it’s just simmering to prevent burning the chocolate.
• Let it set: Allow the ganache to set at room temperature to prevent it from becoming too firm.

Assembly and Decoration:

• Level the cakes: Ensure the cakes are level to prevent the ganache from pooling on one side.
• Chill the cake: Chill the cake before serving to set the ganache and make it easier to slice.
• Add fresh cherries: Top the cake with fresh cherries for a pop of color and freshness.

Troubleshooting:

• Cake too dense: Check your oven temperature and ensure you’re not overmixing the batter.
• Ganache too thick: Add a little more cream to thin out the ganache.
• Cherry filling too runny: Cook the filling for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

What nutritional benefits does the Cherry Chocolate Cake Offer?

Antioxidant-Rich:

• Cherries: Rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins and quercetin, which help protect against cell damage and inflammation.
• Dark Chocolate: Contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

Brain Health:

• Dark Chocolate: Contains compounds that may improve blood flow to the brain and boost cognitive function.
• Cherries: May help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

Heart Health:

• Dark Chocolate: May help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Cherries: May help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.

Digestive Health:

• Fiber-Rich: The cake contains fiber from the cherries, which can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation.
• Probiotics: The sour cream and buttermilk contain probiotics, which can help support gut health.

Mineral-Rich:

• Cherries: A good source of potassium, magnesium, and iron.
• Dark Chocolate: Contains minerals like copper, manganese, and phosphorus.

Other Benefits:

• Mood Boost: The combination of dark chocolate and cherries may help improve mood and reduce stress.
• Satisfying: The cake is high in fiber and protein, making it a satisfying treat that can help curb cravings.

Note: While the Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe offers some nutritional benefits, it is still a treat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How can you preserve leftovers of Cherry Chocolate Cake?

Room Temperature:

• Air-tight container: Store the cake in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Wrap tightly: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Refrigeration:

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods: Store the cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent absorption of odors.

Freezing:

• Wrap tightly: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months: Store the cake in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave or oven.

Freezer-Safe Containers:

• Use airtight containers: Use airtight containers or freezer bags to store the cake in the freezer.
• Label and date: Label and date the containers or bags so you can easily identify the contents and how long they’ve been stored.

Thawing and Reheating:

• Thaw overnight: Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven: Reheat the cake in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Tips:

• Freeze individual slices: Freeze individual slices of cake for a quick dessert or snack.
• Use within a few days of thawing: Use the thawed cake within a few days for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe is a true showstopper that is sure to impress anyone with its rich, velvety chocolate and sweet, juicy cherries.

With its moist and tender crumb, decadent frosting, and perfect balance of flavors, this cake is a must-have for any special occasion or everyday indulgence.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, our easy-to-follow recipe and step-by-step instructions make it easy to create this stunning cake.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Q: Can I substitute the chocolate chips with cocoa powder?
A: No, chocolate chips and cocoa powder are not interchangeable. Chocolate chips provide a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, while cocoa powder is better suited for recipes that require a deeper, darker chocolate flavor.

Q: How do I store the cake?
A: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make the cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. However, it’s best to assemble and frost the cake just before serving to ensure the freshest flavor and texture.

Q: Can I use a different type of milk instead of whole milk?
A: Yes, you can use a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk, but keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture of the cake.

Q: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cake?
A: Yes, you can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or other mix-ins, such as dried cranberries or chocolate chunks, to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.