Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you’re craving an indulgent yet refreshingly fruity dessert, this Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious, moist cake bursting with rich cocoa flavor and studded generously with juicy cherries that add the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake’s tender crumb paired with velvety chocolate frosting will quickly become a beloved favorite. Let me walk you through every step to make this delightful treat shine in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list because these ingredients are straightforward and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and vibrant appearance. From the rich cocoa powder to the fresh cherries, every element contributes to the ultimate cherry chocolate experience.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the cake while keeping it tender.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents to help the cake rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances the chocolate taste and balances sweetness.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolate intensity and rich color.
• Granulated and brown sugars: Sweeten the cake and add a hint of molasses flavor from the brown sugar for complexity.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that round out the chocolate.
• Buttermilk: Gives the cake a tender crumb and slight tang that enhances the cherries.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft for days.
• Hot water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and thins the batter for easy mixing.
• Maraschino cherries (or fresh cherries): The star ingredient that surprises you with bursts of juicy sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Vital for the creamy, rich frosting texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted into the frosting for extra chocolate delight.
• Heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting to your desired lusciousness.
• Chocolate shavings (optional): Adds a decorative, elegant touch to the finished cake.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly and lightly dust them with flour, or simply line the bottoms with parchment paper for an easy release later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. This step ensures even distribution of ingredients, which is key for a uniform rise and rich chocolatey base.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then stir in the buttermilk and vegetable oil, blending everything into a luscious liquid mixture ready to meet the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined just enough. You’ll then gradually mix in the hot water. The batter will be thin but that’s the secret to a moist and tender cake that melts in your mouth.

Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Cherries

Delicately fold the chopped maraschino or fresh cherries into the batter, distributing those jewels of fruit evenly throughout the chocolaty goodness without breaking them up too much.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Create the Decadent Chocolate Frosting

Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until silky. Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and the melted chocolate for that incredible depth of flavor. Pour in heavy cream little by little, until your frosting reaches just the right creamy and spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Once the cake layers are fully cooled, place one layer on your serving plate and spread a generous portion of frosting across the top. Stack the second layer and cover the entire cake evenly with the remaining luscious frosting. This layering is what makes the cake truly impressive.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your masterpiece by decorating with whole cherries, extra chopped cherries, and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings if you like. Slice it up and get ready for compliments and smiles!

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Whole cherries are a classic and inviting garnish that immediately tell your guests what deliciousness lies inside. Chocolate shavings add an elegant, textured look and a subtle crunch that complements every bite perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream alongside your slices. A fresh berry salad also pairs beautifully to add a fresh fruity component that highlights the cherries in the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking miniature versions as cupcakes for a charming presentation, or turn this into a layered trifle with alternating cake, cherries, and frosting in a glass bowl. Both options keep the Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe exciting, no matter the occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its softness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to keep that moist texture intact.

Reheating

Because this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, simply let slices sit out for 20 minutes before serving. If you prefer it slightly warm, microwave individual pieces for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to overheat and dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh or maraschino?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much extra moisture to the batter. Chopped frozen cherries work wonderfully and keep that wonderful cherry flavor.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix designed for cakes, you can enjoy this Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe without gluten. Just ensure your baking powder and cocoa are also gluten-free certified.

How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom during baking?

Lightly tossing the chopped cherries in a little flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them suspended evenly throughout the cake as it bakes.

Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to sour. This substitute will give you the same tender texture and tangy zing.

What chocolate should I use for melting in the frosting?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect—they melt smoothly and add balanced sweetness. You can also use chopped bittersweet chocolate for a richer flavor depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire. The blend of salty, sweet, rich chocolate, and bright cherries is simply irresistible. Give yourself the joy of baking (and eating) this remarkable cake—you deserve it!

Print