Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Transform your baking game with this irresistible Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe that's about to become your new favorite dessert! Imagine sinking your fork into layers of deep, dark chocolate cake that's so moist it practically melts in your mouth, studded with plump, juicy cherries that add bursts of sweet-tart flavor in every bite. The combination of rich chocolate and bright cherries is a match made in culinary heaven – it's one of those classic pairings that never goes out of style.

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary, this Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe delivers that perfect balance of sophisticated flavor and cozy comfort. The chocolate layers are decadently rich without being overwhelming, while the cherries add a wonderful freshness that keeps you coming back for "just one more slice." And let's be honest – the gorgeous presentation of deep chocolate layers with ruby-red cherry filling peeking out is guaranteed to draw oohs and aahs from your guests.

Don't let the elegant appearance fool you – this Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe is approachable enough for home bakers of all skill levels. I'll guide you through each step to ensure your cake turns out perfectly, from selecting the best ingredients to achieving that professional-looking finish. So preheat your oven and get ready to create a dessert that's bound to become a treasured Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe in your collection. Trust me, once you master this Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe, you'll find yourself making it again and again!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe
• Ingredients
• Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe 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
• Easy 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

Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe Instructions

Let me guide you through creating this delightful Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe with easy-to-follow instructions. I'll help you create something truly spectacular!

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 Recipe 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

There's something extraordinary about the way grandmothers bake, isn't there? This Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe carries all the warmth and love of those special moments in Grandma's kitchen. The secret isn't just in the ingredients – it's in those little touches that have been passed down through generations. Like the way she'd always test the cherries for sweetness before adding them to the filling, or how she'd insist on beating the butter and sugar until it was perfectly creamy, no shortcuts allowed!

The magic of this Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe comes alive through Grandma's time-tested wisdom. She'd always say the real secret lies in the patience – letting the coffee cool to just the right temperature before adding it to the batter, gently folding in the cherries so they don't break, and most importantly, being patient while the cake bakes to perfection. She'd say, "A watched cake never rises wrong, dear!" while peeking through the oven door with excitement.

What makes this Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe truly special is how it brings together classic baking wisdom with modern techniques. Grandma might have raised an eyebrow at using a stand mixer instead of beating everything by hand, but she'd definitely approve of the results – a cake that's consistently moist, perfectly balanced, and absolutely irresistible. Her Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe has stood the test of time, bringing smiles to faces across generations.

Whether you're an experienced baker or trying this Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe for the first time, channel that grandmother's patience and attention to detail. Remember, every great baker started somewhere, and this recipe is forgiving enough for beginners while being special enough for family celebrations. Just like Grandma would say, "Bake with love, and everything else will follow!"

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 Banana Split Cake Recipe 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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