Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe You’ll Love

Indulging in a slice of chocolate cherry cake is like diving into a cloud made of chocolatey goodness, with bursts of tart cherries that dance on your taste buds. The rich aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses with promises of sweetness and decadence. Picture this: a moist, velvety crumb that crumbles just enough to leave you wanting more, while the glossy chocolate glaze glistens like a treasure waiting to be uncovered. It’s not just cake; it’s an experience that begs to be shared during birthdays, anniversaries, or even those random Tuesday evenings when you just need a little pick-me-up.

Now let me take you down memory lane. The first time I made this chocolate cherry cake, I was attempting to impress my friends at a potluck. You know how it goes—everyone brings their A-game dessert, and here I was, armed with nothing but a spatula and an overzealous desire to showcase my baking prowess. As the cake rose in the oven, filling my home with its intoxicating scent, I could hardly contain my excitement. Would it turn out as incredible as the one my grandmother used to make? Spoiler alert: it did! This cake quickly stole the show and became my go-to dessert for any gathering worth attending.

Ingredients for chocolate cherry cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; make sure to sift it for a light and fluffy texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the bitterness of cocoa and adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
• Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• Eggs: Large eggs bring moisture and act as a binder; room temperature eggs work best.
• Milk: Whole milk adds richness; you can substitute with almond or oat milk if desired.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist; you can also use melted butter for extra flavor.
• Fresh Cherries: Pitted cherries add natural sweetness and tartness; frozen cherries work too—just thaw them first!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make chocolate cherry cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan or line it with parchment paper so your masterpiece doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking powder until well combined. This dry mix will be the foundation of your chocolaty delight.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 4: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in those luscious pitted cherries into the batter. Try not to get too excited—you want them evenly distributed without mashing them up completely.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Once cooled completely, slice it up and serve with whipped cream or ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent!

This chocolate cherry cake is not just a treat but an adventure waiting on your plate! Each bite offers an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds—trust me!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. While the oven warms up, mix your dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Once combined, gently fold in the cherries before pouring the batter into the pan. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cherries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a twist. You can also add nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for an extra crunch. Experiment with different types of chocolate—dark, milk, or even white—to personalize your cake.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chocolate cherry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat it, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience again!

Sometimes I whip this cake up when I need a quick pick-me-up after a long day—it never fails to bring smiles and compliments from friends and family!

FAQs:

What makes chocolate cherry cake unique?

Chocolate cherry cake stands out due to its delightful combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries. The sweetness of the chocolate complements the natural acidity of the cherries, creating a balanced flavor profile. This cake often features a moist texture, thanks to the incorporation of cherry juice or pureed cherries into the batter. Additionally, the visual appeal of dark chocolate layers contrasted by bright red cherries makes it a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.

How can I enhance the flavor of my chocolate cherry cake?

You can enhance the flavor of your chocolate cherry cake by adding a splash of almond extract or vanilla extract to the batter. Incorporating dark chocolate chips or chunks will intensify the chocolate flavor. For an extra burst of cherry goodness, consider using fresh or frozen cherries instead of canned ones. A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking can also elevate the overall taste, balancing sweetness with a hint of savory.

Can I make a gluten-free version of chocolate cherry cake?

Absolutely! To make a gluten-free chocolate cherry cake, substitute regular flour with almond flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including baking powder and any toppings, are also gluten-free. This substitution will create a deliciously moist and flavorful cake without compromising on taste or texture.

How should I store leftover chocolate cherry cake?

To store leftover chocolate cherry cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat it within two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to one week. You can also freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the oven.

Conclusion for chocolate cherry cake:

In summary, chocolate cherry cake is a delectable dessert that beautifully combines rich flavors and appealing visuals. The unique pairing of sweet chocolate and tart cherries creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. By following simple tips and variations, such as making it gluten-free or adding extracts for flavor enhancement, you can customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Whether it’s for special occasions or casual gatherings, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Savor a slice of rich chocolate cherry cake, where velvety chocolate meets tart cherries for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries

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Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking powder until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
4. Fold in Cherries: Gently fold the pitted cherries into the batter until evenly distributed without mashing them.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, slice and serve.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Substitute cherries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor twist. Add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch. For enhanced flavor, incorporate almond extract or dark chocolate chips into the batter.