Delightful Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Name: Chocolate Cherry Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-Purpose Flour; Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; Granulated Sugar; Baking Powder; Baking Soda; Salt; Large Eggs; Milk; Vegetable Oil; Vanilla Extract; Canned or Fresh Cherries

Published: March 7, 2025

by Anika

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cake

Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart cherries, creating a memorable taste sensation.
Easy to Make: This recipe features straightforward steps that are easy for bakers of all skill levels to follow.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s for a birthday party or a potluck dinner, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cake

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

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor without added sugar.
Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the bitterness of cocoa; adjust based on taste preference.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise; always check expiration dates for effectiveness.
Salt: A pinch enhances flavors in baked goods; don’t skip it!
Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients together; room temperature eggs work best.
Milk: Adds moisture; whole milk provides richness but you can use any milk you prefer.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist; alternatively, melted butter works well too.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; avoid imitation extracts for better results.
Canned Cherries: Drain well before adding to avoid excess moisture; fresh cherries can also be used when in season.

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

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Click here!

Easy Cherry Sauce Recipe – Quick and Delicious

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 two round cake pans with nonstick spray and lightly flour them.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat eggs with sugar until light and fluffy. Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in chopped cherries carefully.

Step 5: Bake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Frost with your favorite frosting once cooled completely.

Transfer slices to plates and enjoy with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch!

Serving and storing

For more tasty options, look no further!

Indulge in Drunken Cherry Chocolate Cake Today!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients yield better flavor and texture in your bake.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to prevent a dense texture.
Add Extra Cherries: For more cherry flavor, sprinkle some on top of the frosting or between layers.

Enjoy crafting this delightful Chocolate Cherry Cake that’s sure to brighten any occasion!

Find your next favorite dish right here!

Easy Cherry Soup (Kissel) Recipe

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cake

This Chocolate Cherry Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture balances the rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors beautifully.
Whipped Cream: A light topping that adds a fluffy contrast, enhancing the cake’s luxurious feel.
Fresh Berries: Their natural sweetness and acidity complement the cake, adding freshness to each bite.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Tips and tricks

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the Chocolate Cherry Cake batter a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Storing: Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating: To reheat slices of Chocolate Cherry Cake, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, warm individual slices in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until just heated through.

Turn your meal into a feast with this recipe!

Sweet Cherry Filled Buns (Vatrushka)

Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cake

Avoid Overmixing the Batter

When making Chocolate Cherry Cake, overmixing the batter can lead to a dense and rubbery texture. To achieve a light and fluffy cake, mix the ingredients just until combined. This allows for proper air incorporation while maintaining the cake’s tenderness. Remember, some lumps are perfectly fine! If you blend the batter too much, you’ll activate the gluten in the flour, which can ruin that desired soft crumb. Mix each component gently and stop as soon as you achieve a uniform mixture.

Don’t Skip Ingredient Temperature

Using cold ingredients can drastically affect the outcome of your Chocolate Cherry Cake. For best results, ensure that eggs, butter, and any dairy products are at room temperature before mixing. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a smoother batter, leading to an evenly baked cake. Cold ingredients can result in uneven baking and a less desirable texture. Set your eggs and butter out ahead of time to avoid this common mistake.

Properly Measure Your Ingredients

Accurate measurements are crucial when baking a Chocolate Cherry Cake. Using too much or too little of an ingredient can alter the texture and flavor significantly. For dry ingredients like flour, use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid packing it down. Liquid ingredients should be measured at eye level for precision. Investing in quality measuring cups and spoons ensures consistency in your baking results.

Choose Quality Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients plays a significant role in how your Chocolate Cherry Cake turns out. Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and fresh cherries for maximum flavor impact. Unsweetened cocoa powder provides a rich chocolate flavor without added sugar that can throw off your cake’s balance. Additionally, fresh cherries will provide better moisture and sweetness than canned alternatives. Prioritizing quality will enhance both taste and texture in every slice.

FAQs

What type of cocoa powder is best for Chocolate Cherry Cake?

Choosing between Dutch-processed or natural cocoa powder depends on your preference for flavor depth. Dutch-processed cocoa has a milder taste due to its alkalinity but provides a deep color, while natural cocoa offers a sharper chocolate flavor with acidity that pairs beautifully with sweet cherries. For an optimal balance in your Chocolate Cherry Cake, many bakers prefer using Dutch-processed cocoa as it complements the fruitiness of cherries well.

Can I use frozen cherries in my Chocolate Cherry Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries in your Chocolate Cherry Cake! However, it’s essential to thaw them first to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter’s consistency. Drain any liquid after thawing to keep your cake from becoming soggy. Incorporating frozen cherries can be just as delicious; they retain their flavor well when baked into desserts like this one.

How can I make my Chocolate Cherry Cake more decadent?

To elevate your Chocolate Cherry Cake’s indulgence factor, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks into the batter along with the cherries. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cake or serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top for extra richness. Another option is to incorporate cherry liqueur into either the batter or frosting for an enhanced cherry flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

How should I store my leftover Chocolate Cherry Cake?

Store any leftover Chocolate Cherry Cake in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to consume it within two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it to maintain freshness, but allow it to come back to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor experience. If you want to keep it for even longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil; this way, you’ll enjoy delicious slices whenever you crave them!

Craving something different? Try this next!

Decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Conclusion for Chocolate Cherry Cake

In summary, creating a delightful Chocolate Cherry Cake involves paying attention to details like ingredient temperature and accurate measurements. Avoiding common mistakes such as overmixing will ensure a light texture; using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in flavor profiles. Whether you’re preparing this cake for special occasions or simply indulging yourself on a weekend afternoon, following these tips will help you craft an impressive dessert every time! Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations like adding chocolate chips or using different types of cherries; each tweak enhances this already delectable treat.

0 Shares