Introduction and Quick Summary

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that perfectly combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the tart sweetness of cherries, then this chocolate cherry cake is just what you need. This delightful treat is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Imagine biting into a moist chocolate cake layered with luscious cherry filling and topped with silky smooth frosting. It’s an unforgettable experience that will have your guests asking for seconds.

This recipe is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion where you want to impress family and friends. The balance of flavors in the chocolate cherry cake makes it a crowd-pleaser among both adults and kids. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find that creating this masterpiece isn’t as daunting as it may seem.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about making the perfect chocolate cherry cake. From the core ingredients to detailed preparation steps, you’ll have all the tips and tricks needed to ensure success in your baking adventure. Plus, we’ll share serving suggestions and storing tips so you can enjoy this delectable dessert long after it’s baked. Let’s dive into this delicious journey!

Main Ingredients

Chocolate Cake Mix

The foundation of our chocolate cherry cake is a rich chocolate cake mix. You can use either homemade or store-bought mix; however, using high-quality cocoa powder enhances the deep cocoa flavor significantly. You’ll need about 2 cups of this mix for a standard 9-inch round cake.

Fresh Cherries

Fresh cherries are essential for bringing that juicy sweetness to our dessert. Aim for about 2 cups of pitted cherries; they should be ripe but firm to maintain their shape during baking. If fresh cherries aren’t available, feel free to use frozen ones—just ensure they’re thawed and drained before use.

Sugar

A cup of granulated sugar helps amplify the sweetness of both the cake and the filling. Remember to adjust based on your taste preference; if you’re using particularly sweet cherries, you might want less sugar.

Eggs

You will need three large eggs for binding the ingredients together while adding moisture to the batter. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the mixture.

Butter

Using one cup of unsalted butter creates a rich texture in our cake layers while also enhancing flavor. Melt it before mixing it into your batter to achieve an even consistency.

Heavy Cream

For a smooth frosting consistency that complements our flavors perfectly, use about half a cup of heavy cream whipped until soft peaks form. It adds richness without overwhelming sweetness.

Vanilla Extract

A splash (about 2 teaspoons) of pure vanilla extract boosts the overall flavor profile of your chocolate cherry cake beautifully by adding depth to the sweet notes.

Baking Powder

Don’t forget about leavening! One teaspoon of baking powder ensures your cake rises adequately, giving it that fluffy texture we all love.

How to Prepare Chocolate Cherry Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cake bakes evenly from start to finish. While waiting for the oven to heat up, prepare your baking pans by greasing them with butter or non-stick spray and dusting them lightly with flour.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the chocolate cake mix and baking powder. Make sure no lumps remain in your mixture; this prevents uneven texture later on in baking when combined with wet elements.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine melted butter and sugar until well blended. Add in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract; mix thoroughly after each addition until everything is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Blend Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture while alternating with heavy cream—start and end with dry ingredients (dry-wet-dry). Stir until just combined; over-mixing can lead to dense cakes!

Step 5: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in pitted fresh cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them apart too much—this keeps their texture intact during baking.

Step 6: Bake

Pour equal portions of batter into prepared pans (usually two). Place them carefully into preheated oven racks positioned centrally so they bake evenly without burning around edges—bake for around 30-35 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean from center.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Once baked perfectly golden brown, remove cakes from oven! Allow them cool in pan for about ten minutes before transferring onto wire racks completely cooling down before frosting—this prevents melting due from heat causing runny icing!

Step 8: Frost & Decorate

Once cooled completely spread desired frosting over each layer generously before stacking them neatly atop one another! Top off with more fresh cherries if desired adding an elegant finishing touch!

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

Slice pieces generously since everyone loves indulging! Serve warm or at room temperature alongside whipped cream or ice cream—vanilla pairs beautifully! For an extra touch drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top before presenting—it adds elegance while enhancing visual appeal!

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be stored properly! Wrap tightly using plastic wrap or place slices within airtight containers keeping moisture locked inside preventing drying out quickly! Refrigerate if not consumed within two days; it should last up to five days when sealed correctly ensuring freshness each time enjoyed later!

By following these steps carefully along with storage tips mentioned above enjoy every bite knowing you’ve created something special—your very own homemade delicious indulgence known as ‘Chocolate Cherry Cake’ that satisfies cravings beyond belief!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making a chocolate cherry cake is not measuring ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial for the right texture and taste. Using too much flour can lead to a dense cake, while too little can cause it to collapse. Always use measuring cups and spoons, and consider weighing your ingredients for the best results.

Another mistake is overmixing the batter. While you want to combine the ingredients thoroughly, overmixing can incorporate too much air and develop gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, ensuring that no dry flour remains visible. Gently folding in chocolate chips or cherries at the end helps maintain the delicate texture without overworking the batter.

Failing to prepare your baking pan properly is another pitfall. A well-greased and floured pan prevents sticking and ensures an even bake. Alternatively, using parchment paper can facilitate easier removal of the cake. Neglecting this step may lead to a messy presentation or an undesired broken cake.

Using stale or low-quality ingredients can ruin your chocolate cherry cake. Fresh eggs, high-quality cocoa powder, and ripe cherries significantly impact flavor and texture. Always check expiration dates on your baking supplies and choose quality produce for optimal results.

Lastly, not allowing your cake to cool properly before frosting is a common error. If you frost a warm cake, the icing will melt and slide off, ruining your design. Allow your chocolate cherry cake to cool completely on a wire rack before applying any frosting or glaze for a beautiful finish.

Tips and tricks

To ensure success with your chocolate cherry cake, start by reading through the entire recipe before beginning. This practice helps you understand each step and avoids missing essential information during preparation. Familiarizing yourself with the process makes it smoother and more enjoyable.

Incorporating additional flavors can elevate your chocolate cherry cake. Consider adding vanilla extract or almond extract for depth in flavor. You could also experiment with different types of chocolate—dark chocolate adds richness while milk chocolate offers sweetness. Adjusting these elements allows you to personalize the recipe according to your preferences.

When it comes to cherries, using fresh ones enhances flavor but might require pitting them first. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries work just as well—just make sure they are thawed and drained before adding them to your batter. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the consistency of your cake.

Pay attention to baking times and temperatures as different ovens can vary significantly in performance. Invest in an oven thermometer to verify that your oven is calibrated correctly; this small tool can help prevent underbaking or overbaking your cake, ensuring perfect results every time.

Finally, don’t hesitate to decorate! A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of ganache elevates presentation without much effort. Creating visual appeal brings excitement to serving your chocolate cherry cake at gatherings or special occasions.

Suggestions for Chocolate cherry cake

For an extra decadent touch, consider pairing your chocolate cherry cake with a rich cream cheese frosting instead of traditional buttercream. The tanginess of cream cheese beautifully complements the sweetness of cherries while providing a luxurious texture that elevates every bite.

If you’re looking for healthier alternatives without sacrificing flavor, consider substituting some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added nutrition and nuttiness in taste. You could also reduce sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup—this way, you maintain sweetness while cutting back on refined sugars.

Experimenting with toppings can bring new life to your dessert as well. Try incorporating toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans that add crunch alongside bursts of flavor from the cherries. You might also enjoy drizzling melted dark chocolate over slices when serving—a delightful addition that enhances both presentation and taste.

If you’re hosting a gathering or celebration where individual servings are preferred, consider turning this recipe into cupcakes instead of one large cake! Simply adjust baking times accordingly—aim for 18-22 minutes depending on oven performance—and enjoy single-serving delights topped with whipped cream or frosting.

Lastly, don’t shy away from making this dessert gluten-free! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends that include xanthan gum; this adjustment allows everyone at your table to savor your delicious creation without worry about dietary restrictions.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for a chocolate cherry cake?

To make a delectable chocolate cherry cake, you’ll need key ingredients such as all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, milk (or buttermilk), vegetable oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, fresh cherries (or frozen), and optional chocolate chips for added richness. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating balance between sweetness from sugar and richness from cocoa while ensuring proper structure and moisture throughout every slice enjoyed by guests!

Can I use different types of cherries?

Absolutely! While fresh sweet cherries are popular choices due to their vibrant flavor profile when baked into desserts like cakes; tart cherries offer unique contrasts if you’re seeking something more bold yet refreshing! Both options yield delightful results—just be sure they’re pitted beforehand regardless which variety chosen so bites remain enjoyable without any surprises lurking within!

How should I store my leftover chocolate cherry cake?

To keep leftover slices fresh longer after preparing this scrumptious treat; wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap before placing them inside airtight containers stored within refrigerator shelves where temperature remains consistent around 35°F – 40°F (1ºC – 4ºC). Properly stored cakes typically last up three days before losing optimal taste quality although freezing should be considered if longer preservation desired—simply freeze wrapped slices until ready consumption then allow thaw naturally overnight inside fridge prior enjoying again!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing components such as batter ahead simplifies things immensely especially during busy occasions like birthdays or holidays where time management becomes crucial factor ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout event timeline planning out perfectly executed recipes enjoyed by all! Once cooled completely once baked off—store unfrosted cakes wrapped securely until needed serving day then frost just moments prior presentation allowing guests indulge freshly made goodness despite earlier preparations taking place days before celebration begins!

What type of frosting pairs well with chocolate cherry cake?

When considering frostings that complement flavors beautifully within chocolate cherry cakes; classic buttercream offers comforting sweetness while cream cheese frosting provides tangy contrast enhancing overall experience palate will truly appreciate! For those adventurous enough experimentations could lead delightful discoveries utilizing ganache made from melted chocolates whisked together heavy cream poured atop cooled layers rendering elegant finish anyone would love seeing presented beautifully upon dessert table display enticing tastebuds eager try each slice served!

Can I substitute other types of flours in this recipe?

Certainly! When exploring alternative flour options within recipes designed specifically around conventional all-purpose varieties—as long as blend contains appropriate binding agents necessary maintaining structural integrity throughout final product—you may achieve equally scrumptious outcomes utilizing whole wheat flours almond/coconut variations creating nutritional improvements enhancing dietary needs simultaneously appealing tastes enjoyed everyone gathered around celebrating special moments shared together enjoying delicious treats made lovingly crafted kitchens everywhere!

Conclusion

In conclusion, making a delightful chocolate cherry cake requires attention to detail while avoiding common pitfalls that could compromise its quality. By measuring ingredients accurately, mixing gently without overdoing it, preparing pans adequately, using fresh ingredients wisely—and allowing cooling time—you’ll set yourself up for success every time you bake this indulgent treat!

Embrace tips such as experimenting with flavors through extracts or adjusting textures using various flours according individual preferences ensuring personal touches shine through presentations shared amongst loved ones gatherings alike! Remember decorating doesn’t have be complex either; simple adornments enhance allure captivating eyes eager taste each bite savored alongside laughter joy filling spaces where memories created relishing delicious outcomes produced kitchen adventures embarked upon together families friends inviting everyone partake delectable delights crafted lovingly hands shared experiences lasting forever cherished hearts minds alike!

Chocolate cherry cake

Author: teprod
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A rich, moist chocolate cake layered with sweet cherries and a luscious chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or canned)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk sugars, oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
Make the Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold in the cherries.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
Prepare Ganache: Heat heavy cream until steaming (not boiling). Pour over chocolate chips, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Assemble: Spread ganache over the cooled cake. Let set for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Fresh cherries add the best flavor, but canned cherries work well in a pinch.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 320
Sugar: 30g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g