Imagine slicing into a moist, rich cherry chocolate cake, the sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen, teasing your taste buds. With each bite, the tender chocolate cake embraces juicy cherries, creating an explosion of flavors that feels like a party in your mouth. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert ideas recipe.
This delightful treat brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter and love blended seamlessly with the scent of baked goods. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a Tuesday that needs cheering up, this cherry chocolate cake is perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cherry chocolate cake is easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of any skill level
- The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a flavor profile that is both indulgent and refreshing
- Its stunning visual appeal will wow your guests and elevate any dessert table
- Versatile enough for various occasions, it’s equally ideal for casual gatherings or formal celebrations
Recently, I made this cake for a family get-together, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor that balances well with the sweetness of cherries.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best; it gives the cake structure without being too dense.
Granulated Sugar: Sweeten to perfection; adjust according to your taste preference.
Baking Powder: This ingredient helps the cake rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Eggs: Large eggs add moisture and richness; room temperature eggs blend better into the batter.
Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy incorporation into the batter; it adds richness and flavor.
Fresh Cherries: Pitted and chopped cherries provide juicy bursts of flavor throughout the cake.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances overall flavors; use pure vanilla extract if possible.
Milk: Whole milk keeps the batter moist; you can substitute with almond milk if preferred.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release later.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. Feel free to add a pinch of salt if desired.
Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds airiness to your cake.
Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time into the butter mixture until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth with no lumps.
Incorporate dry mix: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture while alternating with milk. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Fold in cherries: Gently fold in chopped cherries using a spatula. Be careful not to crush them; we want those juicy bites intact!
Bake: Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Cool and frost: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Once cooled completely, frost as desired—chocolate ganache pairs beautifully!
Enjoy every bite of your cherry chocolate cake!
You Must Know
- A cherry chocolate cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience
- The sweet aroma of baking chocolate combined with tart cherries creates a delightful atmosphere
- This cake brings friends and family together, making every gathering feel extra special and indulgent
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then blend in eggs and melted chocolate to ensure even texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a fun twist. You can also use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, microwave slices for about 15 seconds; they’ll be warm and gooey again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always chop fresh cherries before adding them to the batter; this helps distribute their flavor evenly
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your cake fluffy and light
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
Baking my cherry chocolate cake was a game-changer during family gatherings; everyone raved about it, and I felt like a culinary hero! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries in the cherry chocolate cake?
Yes, frozen cherries work well but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture first.
How do I know when my cherry chocolate cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
What’s the best way to frost my cherry chocolate cake?
Use whipped cream cheese frosting for a creamy contrast that complements the flavors perfectly.
Cherry Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Cherry Chocolate Cake, where moist chocolate sponge meets juicy cherries for a delightful dessert experience. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make and will impress your guests with its stunning appearance and delicious taste. Whether it’s a celebration or just a sweet treat for yourself, every bite offers a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted and chopped)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and sugar until combined.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time into the butter mixture until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture while alternating with milk; mix gently.
- Fold in the chopped cherries carefully using a spatula.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 168mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 74mg
