Chocolate Cherry Cake

Name: Chocolate Cherry Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cake: 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix; 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup water; For the Frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup heavy cream (more if needed); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; For Garnish (Optional): Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries; Chocolate shavings (optional)

Posted on January 9, 2025

Desserts

Introduction and Key Insights

If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a delightful dessert, then this Chocolate Cherry Cake is your answer. Combining the rich flavors of dark chocolate and the tart sweetness of cherries creates a symphony of taste that everyone will adore. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a slice of heaven after dinner, this cake fits the bill perfectly. It’s moist, decadent, and beautifully presented with its vibrant cherry topping.

Baking can often feel daunting for novice cooks, but this recipe breaks it down into manageable steps. You won’t need to be a professional baker to create this showstopper; all you need is a willingness to learn and some basic kitchen tools. This Chocolate Cherry Cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it the centerpiece of any gathering. The combination of flavors will leave your taste buds dancing while providing a comforting experience with each bite.

Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious dessert before we get into the detailed preparation steps. With every ingredient carefully selected for maximum flavor, you’ll find that this cake is as rewarding to bake as it is to eat.

Ingredients Overview for Chocolate Cherry Cake

Flour

All-purpose flour is the foundation of our Chocolate Cherry Cake. You’ll need 1 and 3/4 cups for the perfect balance between structure and tenderness. This versatile ingredient allows the cake to rise well while maintaining moisture.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Using 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder gives our cake its rich chocolaty flavor without overwhelming it with sweetness. Choose high-quality cocoa for the best results; it adds depth and richness that complements the cherries beautifully.

Sugar

To sweeten our cake, we’ll incorporate 2 cups of granulated sugar. This not only enhances flavor but also helps achieve that lovely moist texture we all crave in cakes.

Eggs

We’ll use three large eggs at room temperature which act as binding agents and help emulsify our ingredients. They add moisture and richness to ensure your cake turns out tender.

Butter

One cup (or two sticks) of unsalted butter provides richness and flavor while keeping the cake moist. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for easy mixing.

Cherries

For this recipe, use 1 cup of fresh or frozen pitted cherries. If using frozen cherries, ensure they are thawed and drained well before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

Baking Soda and Baking Powder

We’ll require 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of baking powder to create rise in our cake batter. These leavening agents help achieve a light texture while ensuring even baking throughout.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth; you’ll need 2 teaspoons for this recipe. It beautifully complements both the chocolate and cherries.

Milk

Finally, we’ll add 1 cup of whole milk to enhance moisture content and create a smooth batter consistency. You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk if desired.

How to Prepare Chocolate Cherry Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the moment you place it inside. While your oven heats up, grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray and line them with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until fully integrated; this should take about two minutes. Properly mixing dry ingredients helps prevent clumping later on when combined with wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or mixing jug, beat together three large eggs until frothy before adding in one cup of softened unsalted butter (creamed), followed by one cup whole milk and two teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth mixture; this should take around three minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your wet mixture into the bowl containing dry ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined—be careful not to overmix as it can lead to a dense texture! Once integrated smoothly without lumps remaining (about one minute), fold in one cup pitted cherries gently using a spatula—this adds beautiful bursts of flavor throughout your cake.

Step 5: Bake

Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared pan before placing them in your preheated oven at mid-rack level. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean from the center—keep an eye on them as oven times may vary! Let them cool in their pans for about ten minutes before transferring them onto wire racks completely cool down.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Cherry Cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature once fully cooled down—it allows those flavorful notes from both chocolate & cherries shine through! For an extra special touch during serving time consider dusting powdered sugar over top or drizzling melted dark chocolate ganache over slices just before presenting guests!

Accompany each slice with fresh whipped cream dollops or even vanilla ice cream if desired! Guests will appreciate these little additions that elevate their enjoyment while indulging in such divine flavors!

Storing Your Cake

Store any leftover portions tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days—this keeps them fresh without drying out too quickly! Alternatively place slices inside an airtight container within refrigerator where they’ll last up five days easily keeping their moistness intact!

For longer storage options consider freezing individual slices by wrapping tightly first then placing into freezer-safe bags—a great way preserve deliciousness for later indulgence! Simply thaw overnight before serving again—your future self will thank you when cravings hit unexpectedly!

By following this detailed guide you’ll ensure success every time you make Chocolate Cherry Cake—it’s truly an unforgettable treat worthy celebrating life’s sweetest moments!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when baking a Chocolate Cherry Cake is using the wrong type of cherries. Fresh cherries are ideal for this recipe, but many people opt for canned or frozen ones, which can alter the cake’s texture and flavor. If you choose to use frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them properly before adding them to your batter. This prevents excess moisture from ruining the cake’s consistency.

Another mistake is not measuring ingredients accurately. Baking relies heavily on precision, so it’s crucial to measure flour, sugar, and cocoa powder correctly. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure you’re using the right amounts. Additionally, spooning flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it can result in too much flour being used, leading to a denser cake than intended.

Overmixing your batter is another pitfall. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients for your Chocolate Cherry Cake, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, resulting in a tough cake instead of a tender crumb. Remember that lumps are fine; they will bake out during cooking.

Lastly, don’t forget about cooling time! Many bakers dive straight into frosting their cakes while they’re still warm. This can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Allow your Chocolate Cherry Cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Tips and tricks

To create a moist and flavorful Chocolate Cherry Cake, consider adding sour cream or Greek yogurt to your batter. These ingredients not only enhance moisture but also add a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of chocolate and cherries beautifully. About half a cup should suffice for an average-sized cake.

Use high-quality chocolate for the best results when making this cake. Opt for dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for rich flavor and depth. Melting the chocolate instead of using cocoa powder can elevate the taste dramatically, giving your cake a luxurious texture and richness that’s hard to beat.

Incorporating vanilla extract into your recipe can heighten the flavors even further. A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract blends seamlessly with both chocolate and cherry flavors, creating an inviting aroma as it bakes.

When layering your cake with frosting or ganache, consider adding chopped cherries between layers for extra flavor and texture. This surprise element will delight anyone who takes a slice!

Lastly, consider garnishing with fresh cherries on top before serving or drizzling some cherry sauce over each slice for added visual appeal and flavor contrast. This simple touch makes your Chocolate Cherry Cake look more appealing.

Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cake

When preparing your Chocolate Cherry Cake, think about experimenting with different types of chocolate icing or ganache toppings. For instance, a cream cheese frosting pairs well with chocolate while providing a tangy counterpart to sweet cherries.

Consider infusing some almond extract into your cake batter as well; it complements cherry flavors wonderfully without overpowering them. Just half a teaspoon can make a significant difference in enhancing overall taste profiles.

If you want more texture in your cake, try adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans either into the batter or as decoration on top after icing. Nuts provide crunchiness that contrasts nicely with soft cake layers.

You could also play around with different types of cherries—like tart Montmorency cherries versus sweeter Bing cherries—to see how they impact flavor balance within your dessert.

Lastly, don’t underestimate presentation! Use decorative plates or stands when serving; this elevates even simple desserts like Chocolate Cherry Cake into showstoppers perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

FAQs

What type of cherries are best for Chocolate Cherry Cake?

Fresh sweet cherries are ideal when making Chocolate Cherry Cake due to their natural sweetness and juicy texture that enhances both flavor and moisture content in baked goods. However, if fresh cherries aren’t available, you might consider using frozen tart cherries; just ensure they are thawed properly beforehand since excess moisture could alter the final product’s consistency dramatically. Canned cherries may work as well but often come packed in syrup which might make them too sweet compared to fresh or frozen options—draining well is essential if you go this route!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing your Chocolate Cherry Cake ahead of time allows you flexibility when hosting gatherings or events. You can bake it one day in advance and store it covered at room temperature until ready to serve; however, avoid icing until shortly before serving to maintain freshness! If storing leftovers beyond one day becomes necessary—perhaps due to generous portion sizes—consider refrigerating them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container where they’ll remain good for up to four days without losing much quality!

What icing pairs best with Chocolate Cherry Cake?

A rich chocolate ganache provides an indulgent topping choice that amplifies decadent flavors found within this delightful dessert while complementing its cherry notes beautifully! Alternatively—a cream cheese frosting adds tanginess against sweetness creating balance worth trying out too! Whipped cream mixed gently with cherry preserves also works wonders visually speaking alongside taste-wise; feel free exploring varied combinations until finding what suits personal preferences most perfectly!

How long should I bake my Chocolate Cherry Cake?

Typically speaking—a standard 9-inch round Chocolate Cherry Cake takes approximately 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However—for optimal results always conduct tests towards end using toothpick inserted into center: if clean upon removal then done baking! Keep an eye out just prior reaching timer interval so as not risk overbaking which could lead dryness detracting from overall enjoyment!

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Certainly! Substituting ingredients allows customization based on dietary needs/preferences without sacrificing end results entirely—consider swapping regular flour for gluten-free alternatives such as almond flour/coconut flour mixtures depending upon desired outcome! Also possible substituting sugar sources: coconut sugar/honey/maple syrup offer healthier options maintaining sweetness levels intact effectively—just remember these changes might affect final texture/flavor slightly so adjust accordingly during preparation stages accordingly!

Is there any special storage advice for leftover cake?

For any leftover pieces remaining after indulging fully—store closed tightly within airtight containers/refrigerator ensuring they stay moist longer while retaining quality! Best enjoyed within four days max whether served chilled/warmed gently depending upon preference level—but do note: refrigeration might slightly alter fluffy textures present initially served warm right after baking—the trade-off typically worth savoring nonetheless given delightful nature involved!

Conclusion

In summary, creating a delicious Chocolate Cherry Cake involves avoiding common mistakes such as incorrect ingredient choices or improper mixing techniques while embracing helpful tips like incorporating quality chocolates and complementary flavors like vanilla extract or almonds. Suggestions such as experimenting with various icing options can also enhance the overall experience significantly.

By keeping these insights in mind throughout your baking process—from selecting ingredients through serving—you’ll ensure that each slice brings joy not only from its taste but also from its beautiful presentation! Remember that practice makes perfect; so don’t hesitate trying out variations along way; every attempt yields valuable learning opportunities contributing towards mastering this delightful dessert over time! Enjoy sharing slices among friends/family alike—they’re bound appreciate effort put forth creating something truly special together!