Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe 🍫🍒 | Easy Dessert 🎂
If you’re a fan of the rich and sumptuous combination of chocolate and cherries, then our Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe is sure to be your new favorite indulgence. This easy dessert brings together moist chocolate cake layers and a luscious cherry filling, creating a cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this chocolate cherry cake. The flavors meld together beautifully to create a harmonious blend of richness and fruitiness that is sure to wow your taste buds. This cake is not only visually stunning, it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
This cake shines at any gathering, from casual family dinners to elegant celebrations. Its luxurious taste and beautiful presentation make it the perfect centerpiece for your dessert table, impressing guests with every slice.
Context/Background
The chocolate cherry combination is a classic pairing that dates back many decades. Drawing inspiration from traditional Black Forest cake, this decadent dessert merges the richness of chocolate with the tartness of cherries, a match made in culinary heaven.
The technique of layering chocolate with cherries has been mastered over time. This recipe simplifies the process, offering a modern take that’s just as flavorful yet more straightforward than its predecessors.
Recipe Details
Serves: 8-10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until the batter is well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Once baked, let the cakes cool completely, then layer with cherry pie filling between each cake.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until just boiling, then remove from heat and pour over chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth to create ganache.
- Pour the ganache over the assembled cake. Let it set for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor.
- Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring over the cake for a thick, glossy finish.
- Chill the cake for a firmer texture before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also sprinkle it with grated chocolate or garnish with fresh cherries for an extra special touch.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Final Thoughts
Our Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake is a must-try for chocolate lovers and cherry enthusiasts alike. Its rich flavors and easy preparation make it a perfect choice anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this cake is loved by many!
Recipe Notes
- For a burst of almond flavor, add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the batter.
- Substitute canned cherries in syrup for fresh seasonal cherries if desired.
- Try using white chocolate for the ganache for a sweet twist.