Irresistible Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Chocolate lovers have long cherished the divine combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherry in this decadent chocolate cherry cake.

Layers of moist, velvety chocolate sponge intermingle with bursts of tangy cherry flavor.

Delicate crumbs promise a sensory journey that melts in your mouth.

Ripe cherries add unexpected brightness to the deep cocoa notes.

Each slice tells a story of careful crafting and passionate baking.

Soft, luxurious, and irresistibly smooth, this cake beckons you to savor every single bite.

Dive into pure indulgence and let your taste buds dance with delight.

Why Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Is So Rich

• Celebrate Flavor Complexity: Indulge in a rich chocolate cake that combines deep cocoa notes with sweet cherry bursts, creating a gourmet dessert experience that delights every taste bud.
• Master Baking Techniques: Perfect for home bakers wanting to elevate their skills, this recipe introduces professional techniques like ganache making and layered cake assembly without requiring advanced pastry training.
• Impress Special Occasions: Designed to wow guests at birthdays, anniversaries, or dinner parties, this decadent cake transforms an ordinary gathering into a memorable celebration with its stunning presentation and luxurious taste.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Appeals to chocolate lovers and fruit enthusiasts alike, making it a universally loved treat that satisfies diverse palates with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

What You’ll Need For Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational 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 deep color to the cake.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb in the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake stays moist and soft.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.
• Hot Water: Helps to bloom the cocoa powder and create a smooth batter.

• Cherry Pie Filling, Maraschino Cherries: Adds a sweet and tangy fruit element to complement the chocolate.
• Dark Chocolate: Used for creating a rich and glossy ganache topping.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth and luxurious chocolate ganache.

How To Make Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Prep two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them thoroughly or lining with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine until everything looks evenly distributed.

Step 3: Introduce Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Add Liquid Boost

Gradually stream in hot water while stirring. The batter will become thin and silky – don’t worry, this is exactly what you want!

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Divide the chocolatey batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Spread it evenly to ensure perfect layers.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pans into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 7: Cool Down the Cakes

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Create Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour over chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for a few minutes, then stir until impossibly smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Layer with Cherry Goodness

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cherry pie filling across the surface.

Step 10: Top and Drizzle

Position the second cake layer on top. Pour the luscious chocolate ganache over the cake, letting it cascade dramatically down the sides.

Step 11: Garnish with Flair

Decorate with maraschino cherries on top and around the cake’s edges for a stunning presentation.

Step 12: Serve and Celebrate

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure dessert delight!

Tips That Work For Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Create a smooth ganache by using high-quality dark chocolate and ensuring cream is heated just to simmering point. Avoid boiling to prevent separation and achieve glossy texture.
• Swap buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for a quick substitute if needed. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Keep cake moist by not overbaking. Check doneness with a toothpick at 30 minutes and remove immediately when it comes out clean. Slightly underbaked cake retains more moisture.
• Make the cake gluten-free by replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Add xanthan gum for better texture and structure if your blend doesn't include it.
• Enhance cherry flavor by adding a splash of kirsch or cherry liqueur to the ganache or brushing cake layers with cherry syrup before assembling.

Ways To Customize Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Cherry Liqueur Infusion: Brush cake layers with kirsch or cherry brandy for an adult-friendly, sophisticated flavor boost.
• Chocolate Cherry Mousse Layer: Replace pie filling with rich chocolate cherry mousse for a creamy, luxurious texture.
• Dark Forest Inspired: Add whipped cream between layers and top with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for a classic German-style presentation.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same decadent chocolate and cherry essence.

Best Pairings For Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Elevate Chocolate Cherry Cake Pairings
• Craft Bold Wine Harmony: Select a robust port wine or rich cabernet sauvignon that complements the deep chocolate and sweet cherry flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Match Creamy Beverage Bliss: Serve alongside a smooth vanilla bean latte or rich espresso to enhance the cake's chocolate intensity and cut through its decadent sweetness.
• Design Complementary Dessert Plate: Pair with fresh raspberries or dark chocolate-covered strawberries to amplify the fruit and chocolate notes, adding textural contrast and depth to each bite.
• Boost Palate-Cleansing Accompaniment: Include a small scoop of tangy lemon sorbet to refresh the palate between rich cake bites, balancing the dessert's intense chocolate and cherry profile.

How To Store Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Well

• Store cake covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Carefully wrap entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Store frozen slices for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore moisture and softness.

FAQs For Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture, but avoid whole wheat flour as it will change the cake’s consistency.

• How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Always grease the pan thoroughly, use parchment paper, or use a non-stick spray to ensure easy cake removal.

• What if I don't have buttermilk?

Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic at room temperature before assembling.

Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate and luscious cherries meld perfectly in this Chocolate Cherry Cake, creating a divine dessert that promises pure indulgence. Sweet and deep chocolate layers complemented by tart cherry notes will delight passionate bakers seeking an extraordinary treat.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup hot water

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream

Filling and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 cup cherry pie filling
• Maraschino cherries

Chocolate Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) dark chocolate, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by warming oven to 350F and prepping two 9-inch cake pans with grease or parchment paper.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending flour, sugar, cocoa powder, leavening agents, and salt.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture, whisking buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
4. Slowly stream hot water into batter, stirring continuously to create a silky, thin consistency.
5. Distribute batter evenly between prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced layers.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes in preheated oven, testing cake’s doneness with a clean toothpick inserted into center.
7. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks for complete temperature reduction.
8. Create chocolate ganache by gently heating heavy cream until microscopic bubbles form around pan edges.
9. Pour heated cream over chopped dark chocolate, letting mixture rest briefly before whisking into a glossy, smooth sauce.
10. Position first cake layer on serving plate, generously spreading cherry pie filling across surface.
11. Carefully position second cake layer, then cascade warm ganache over top, allowing delicate drips to flow down sides.
12. Decorate with vibrant maraschino cherries, artfully placing around cake’s perimeter and crown.
13. Slice, serve, and savor this rich chocolate cherry masterpiece.

Notes

• Adjust cocoa powder for richer or lighter chocolate intensity, experimenting with different brands to find your perfect flavor profile.
• Ensure buttermilk is at room temperature to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more tender cake texture.
• Replace vegetable oil with Greek yogurt or applesauce for a healthier version that maintains moisture and reduces fat content.
• Swap cherry pie filling with fresh cherries or homemade compote for a more natural, less sweet alternative that elevates the cake’s sophistication.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg