Cherry chocolate cake is a delightful fusion that tantalizes your taste buds with its rich, velvety chocolate and the bright burst of cherries. Picture this: a slice of moist cake topped with luscious cherry frosting, sending sweet aromas wafting through the air, making it impossible to resist.
I remember the first time I baked this cherry chocolate cake for my family; their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning. It was an ordinary Tuesday, but the cake turned it into a mini celebration. The moment they took that first bite was unforgettable—pure bliss mixed with crumbs flying everywhere.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cherry chocolate cake is incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- The flavor combination is absolutely divine, offering a sweet and tart experience in every bite
- Its stunning appearance makes it a showstopper for any occasion
- You can serve it as an everyday treat or dress it up for parties and celebrations
Baking this cake always brings smiles to my family’s faces; they can’t resist its charm.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cake and provides structure; sift it for lightness.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed works wonders too.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens your cake beautifully; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Baking Powder: This will give your cake its lift; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip this step!
Eggs: These bind everything together; use large eggs for the best texture.
Milk: Whole milk adds moisture, making your cake tender; feel free to substitute non-dairy if needed.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a rich flavor and tender crumb; use high-quality butter if you can.
Fresh Cherries: Pitted cherries add a juicy burst of flavor; opt for ripe ones when in season.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips melt beautifully into the batter, adding decadence to each bite.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates all the flavors—don’t be shy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cake
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with butter or cooking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and fluffy.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar, mixing until light and fluffy—a sign you’re on the right track.
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding another. Stir in vanilla extract for that aromatic kick.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients while alternating with milk until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Fold fresh cherries and chocolate chips gently into the batter using a rubber spatula—this way, they won’t sink to the bottom during baking.
Bake Your Cakes!: Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Now that your kitchen smells like heaven, let those cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy creating this cherry chocolate cake! Each step builds anticipation as you imagine that delightful first bite filled with cherry-chocolate goodness!
You Must Know
- This delightful cherry chocolate cake combines rich chocolate flavor with juicy cherries, creating a dessert that’s both decadent and refreshing
- The aromas will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before serving
- It’s perfect for celebrations or simply indulging on a cozy evening
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mix the batter. Bake the cake layers first, allowing them to cool completely before frosting, ensuring the icing doesn’t melt into a gooey mess.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for raspberries or even add nuts for extra crunch. A splash of almond extract can also enhance the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cherry chocolate cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to one week and reheat gently in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh cherries for the best flavor; frozen ones may alter texture
- Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, creating a smoother batter
- Don’t over-mix after adding flour; this prevents a tough cake that nobody wants
Baking this cherry chocolate cake brought back memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dessert time, proving that good food truly brings people together. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert ideas recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries in my cherry chocolate cake?
Yes, but fresh cherries yield better texture and flavor in this recipe.
How do I make my cherry chocolate cake more chocolaty?
Add cocoa powder or dark chocolate chips to intensify the chocolate flavor.
What frosting pairs well with cherry chocolate cake?
A simple vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting complements the flavors perfectly.
Cherry Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cherry chocolate cake is a decadent dessert that beautifully combines rich chocolate and juicy cherries in every bite. This moist, flavorful cake features a delightful cherry frosting that elevates it to a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings, this recipe promises to create sweet memories that will linger long after the last slice is gone.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted and chopped)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, cream softened butter until light. Gradually add sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately mix dry ingredients with milk into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them 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: 370
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
