Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

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Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe, a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with luscious cherry filling and finished with a silky chocolate ganache. This dessert is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply when you want to treat yourself to a gourmet chocolate cherry delight at home. Imagine biting into a soft, fudgy chocolate cake, punctuated by the sweet-tart juiciness of cherries, and crowned with glossy ganache—a dessert so irresistible it will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a passionate home cook, this Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake will elevate your dessert game, offering a flavor experience that rivals the finest pâtisseries.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

  • Rich, indulgent flavor: Dark cocoa and juicy cherries create a heavenly chocolate-cherry harmony.

  • Moist and tender crumb: Perfectly balanced wet and dry ingredients ensure a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake.

  • Easy assembly: Even novice bakers can create a bakery-style dessert with simple steps.

  • Customizable toppings: Garnish with maraschino cherries, chocolate shavings, or nuts for extra flair.

  • Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or elegant dinner parties.

  • Versatile dessert: Serves as a decadent treat or an after-dinner showstopper.

  • Shelf life: Stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored correctly in the fridge.

  • Gourmet touch at home: Experience a Chocolate Cherry Cake with Frosting that rivals Black Forest classics.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed for deeper chocolate flavor)

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar/lemon juice, left 5 min)

  • ½ cup vegetable oil (neutral oils like canola work best)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ¾ cup hot water (enhances cocoa flavor)

For the Ganache

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (high-quality recommended)

For the Filling & Garnish

  • 1 cup cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)

  • Maraschino cherries for garnish

Pro Tip: Using high-quality cocoa and fresh or premium cherry filling makes a significant flavor difference. The hot water blooms the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment.

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

  3. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  4. Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.

  5. Stir in hot water gradually to ensure a smooth, pourable batter.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

  2. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  3. Let cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Ganache

  1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.

  2. Pour cream over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

  3. Cool slightly to thicken before layering on cake.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

  2. Spread cherry pie filling evenly on top.

  3. Add second cake layer and pour ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

  4. Garnish with maraschino cherries. Chill for 30 minutes to set ganache.

Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake

  • PAA Question 1: How do you make a moist chocolate cherry cake at home?
    Use buttermilk and hot water to keep the crumb tender, and fold ingredients gently to avoid overmixing.

  • PAA Question 2: Can I use frozen cherries for this cake?
    Yes, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy cake.

  • PAA Question 3: How can I make ganache shiny and smooth?
    Chop chocolate finely and pour hot, not boiling, cream over it. Stir slowly for a glossy finish.

Extra Tip: For added depth, soak cherries in a splash of cherry liqueur before layering.

Best Ways to Serve

  • Slice and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

  • Pair with coffee or dessert wine to enhance chocolate and cherry flavors.

  • For a party, create mini Chocolate Cherry Torte Cups using this batter.

Nutrition (per serving, serves 12)

  • Calories: 380 kcal

  • Fat: 22g (Saturated: 12g)

  • Carbohydrates: 42g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 28g

  • Protein: 5g

  • Vitamin C: 2% DV

  • Calcium: 6% DV

Pro Tip: Portion control is key; the richness makes a small slice satisfying.

Storage & Leftovers

  • Room temperature: 1 day in an airtight container.

  • Refrigerator: Up to 3 days; allow cake to come to room temperature before serving.

  • Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

  • Reheat tips: For slightly melted ganache, microwave slices 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if the blend lacks it.

2. Is this cake suitable for birthdays?
Absolutely! The glossy ganache and cherry topping make it a show-stopping centerpiece.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake layers a day ahead and store in an airtight container. Assemble the cake the next day for freshness.

4. What is the best way to avoid a soggy cake?
Drain cherry filling well, and do not overmix wet and dry ingredients. Layer ganache only after cake is completely cooled.

Variations

  • Vegan version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and cream.

  • Fudgy variation: Add ¼ cup melted chocolate to the batter for extra richness.

  • Black Forest-inspired: Layer with whipped cream instead of ganache and top with chocolate shavings.

  • Mini cupcakes: Bake in muffin tins for single-serving treats.

  • Regional twist: Add almond extract or kirsch for a European-style cherry chocolate cake.

Conclusion

This Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe is more than a dessert—it’s an experience. Moist, fudgy layers, luscious cherry filling, and glossy ganache create a dessert that delights every sense. Bring a slice to your next celebration, or simply savor it as a special treat at home.

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