Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Transform your baking game with this irresistible Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe that combines rich, moist chocolate layers with sweet, tangy cherries. This show-stopping dessert strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavors and homestyle comfort, making it ideal for special occasions or when you're craving something truly extraordinary.

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

This cake isn't just another chocolate dessert – it's a celebration of flavors that's become a favorite among home bakers. The combination of dark chocolate and fresh cherries creates an elegant twist on traditional chocolate cake, while the straightforward preparation method means you don't need to be a professional pastry chef to achieve spectacular results.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Hints and Tips
• Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment For Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe
• Storage
• Top Tip
• Grandma's Magic Touch
• FAQ
• How did your Chocolate Cherry Cake turn out?
• Related
• Pairing
• Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Ingredients

the Cake:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup premium cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup hot coffee
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved

the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

the Chocolate Ganache:

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup unsalted butter

Instructions

Preparing the Cherry Filling

1. Combine pitted cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes)
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice
4. Let cool completely before using

Making the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Grease and line three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper
3. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes)
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients
7. Slowly stir in hot coffee until well combined
8. Fold in halved cherries

Baking the Cake

1. Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean
3. Cool in pans for 10 minutes
4. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks

Preparing the Ganache

1. Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl
2. Heat cream until just simmering
3. Pour over chocolate and let stand for 5 minutes
4. Stir until smooth, then add butter
5. Let cool until spreadable consistency is reached

Assembly

1. Level cake layers if needed
2. Place first layer on cake stand
3. Spread half of cherry filling
4. Add second layer and remaining filling
5. Top with final layer
6. Cover entire cake with chocolate ganache
7. Garnish with fresh cherries if desired

Hints and Tips

The secret to achieving the perfect chocolate cherry cake lies in room temperature ingredients. This ensures even mixing and proper incorporation of all components. For the richest chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder and good quality chocolate for the ganache.

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

While this cake is an indulgent treat, cherries provide antioxidants and vitamin C. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing, or with whipped cream and extra cherries for an elegant presentation. Each slice serves as a generous portion for 12-14 people.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Make it alcohol-infused by adding 2 tablespoons of kirsch to the cherry filling
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond milk
• Try dark morello cherries for a more intense cherry flavor
• Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolate intensity

Equipment For Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

• Three 9-inch round cake pans
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Saucepan for cherry filling
• Wire cooling racks
• Offset spatula for frosting
• Cherry pitter (recommended but not required)

Storage

Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. The unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months when wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Grandma's Magic Touch

Every slice of this Chocolate Cherry Cake carries a piece of my grandmother's legacy. She always said the secret wasn't just in the ingredients – it was in the love and patience you stirred into the batter. On Sunday afternoons, her kitchen would fill with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and fresh cherries, drawing the whole family together. She'd let me pit the cherries (and sneak a few), teaching me how to select the ripest ones for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Her special touch? Adding a splash of hot coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor, and always, always using fresh cherries when they were in season. "Shortcuts make short memories," she'd say with a knowing smile. This recipe has been perfected through three generations of family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and countless cozy afternoons.

FAQ

How did your Chocolate Cherry Cake turn out?

This recipe is sure to impress with its rich chocolate layers and bursts of cherry sweetness. If you're a fan of decadent layer cakes, be sure to try our Classic Black Forest Cake next – another showstopping dessert that celebrates the magical pairing of chocolate and cherries!

Did you make this Chocolate Cherry Cake? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments.

Did you try any creative twists, like adding kirsch or using dark cherries? Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of passionate bakers. Don't forget to share a photo of your beautiful creation!

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Pairing

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