Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: chocolate cherry cake! It’s this incredible fusion of rich, moist chocolate and luscious cherries that just makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made this cake for a family gathering; the moment I pulled it from the oven, the sweet aroma of chocolate filled the kitchen, and everyone came running! Trust me, the combination of the tart cherries with the decadent chocolate is a match made in heaven. This cake is not just delicious; it’s a show-stopper that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to dive into this chocolate cherry adventure? Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cake
Before we start baking this delightful chocolate cherry cake, let’s gather all the goodies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Make sure to measure everything accurately; it really makes a difference in getting that perfect texture! And don’t hesitate to sneak a taste of the cherry pie filling; it’s a deliciously sweet treat that’ll have you excited for what’s to come!
How to Prepare Chocolate Cherry Cake
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of creating this scrumptious chocolate cherry cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to impress your friends and family.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and perfectly.
- Next, grab two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them up with butter or cooking spray, then sprinkle a little flour in there. This way, your cakes will come out without a hitch!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything well.
- Now, add in 2 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Here comes the fun part: gently fold in 1 cup of cherry pie filling and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. The cherries and chocolate will create a beautiful swirl of flavor!
- Evenly pour the batter into your prepared pans. Make sure to tap them gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Now, pop those pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial for avoiding a crumbly cake!
And just like that, you’ve prepared a stunning chocolate cherry cake! Can you smell it already? It’s heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chocolate cherry cake is truly a gem in my dessert repertoire, and here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it, too:
- Rich, decadent chocolate flavor complemented by tart cherries
- Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth
- Simple preparation, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers
- Ideal for celebrations, family gatherings, or just a special treat
- It’s a showstopper that’ll impress anyone who takes a bite!
Trust me, once you make this cake, it’ll become a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with everyone!
Tips for Success with Chocolate Cherry Cake
Want to make sure your chocolate cherry cake turns out absolutely perfect? Here are some of my top tips! First, always use room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and milk; it helps everything mix together smoothly. If you can, sift your dry ingredients—this adds air and gives your cake a lighter texture. Also, be gentle when folding in the cherry pie filling and chocolate chips; you want to keep that lovely fluffiness! And remember to check your cake a minute or two before the timer goes off; every oven is different, and you don’t want to risk overbaking. Lastly, let it cool completely before frosting or serving, so it holds its shape beautifully. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each slice of this delicious chocolate cherry cake. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 22g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your indulgence in moderation!
FAQ About Chocolate Cherry Cake
I know you might have a few questions about this delicious chocolate cherry cake, so let’s dive into some common ones!
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling? Absolutely! Just make sure to pit and chop them before folding them into the batter. You might want to add a bit of sugar to balance the tartness.
How do I store leftover cake? Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake? Yes! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay good for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
What’s a good frosting for this cake? A simple whipped cream or a rich chocolate ganache pairs perfectly with the flavors in the cake. Cream cheese frosting is also a lovely option if you want something a little tangy!
Can I make this cake gluten-free? Sure! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and you’ll be good to go!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your chocolate cherry cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For even longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container; they’ll last for about 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. If you prefer it warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It’s just heavenly that way!
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cake
Alright, let’s talk about how to take your chocolate cherry cake to the next level when serving! One of my absolute favorite ways is to top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream. It adds a light, airy contrast to the rich chocolate and cherries. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a perfect match—just imagine that creamy goodness melting into the cake!
For a little extra flair, drizzle some chocolate ganache or cherry syrup on top. And if you want to impress your guests, garnish with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Trust me, these additions will make your cake an unforgettable treat!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out these cherry cheesecake brownies or this chocolate lava cake recipe!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Cake: 7 Irresistible Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist chocolate cherry cake that combines the flavors of chocolate and cherries.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in cherry pie filling and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This cake can be served with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate cherry cake, dessert, cake recipe
