Chocolate Cherry Cake is a delectable dessert that combines the rich, velvety flavor of chocolate with the sweet tartness of cherries. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or just an indulgent treat for yourself. The combination of these two flavors creates a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. You can easily customize this cake by using fresh or frozen cherries, making it versatile throughout the year. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful dessert in no time. Let’s explore why you’ll love making this Chocolate Cherry Cake!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cake
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Looking for more mouthwatering dishes? Check out these ideas!
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use good quality flour to ensure the right texture for your cake.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds depth of flavor; choose high-quality brands.
- Baking Powder: Fresh baking powder helps the cake rise properly for a fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the flavors; adjust based on personal sweetness preference.
- Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and structure; ensure they are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Milk: Whole milk gives richness; substitute with almond milk if desired.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; melt before adding to the mix.
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Pitted cherries add natural sweetness; use fresh when in season for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
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) and grease two round cake pans with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and granulated sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat eggs with melted butter and milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring gently.
Step 4: Fold in Cherries
Gently fold in the pitted cherries into the batter until evenly distributed without breaking them apart.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Allow cakes to cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, frost as desired.
Transfer to plates and enjoy this delightful Chocolate Cherry Cake!
Explore another delicious recipe to try next!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow all refrigerated ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing for better incorporation.
- Quality Cherries: Use ripe fresh cherries during peak season or high-quality frozen ones when fresh isn’t available.
- Proper Cooling: Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cake
This Chocolate Cherry Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and sweet flavor create a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate and tart cherries.
- Whipped Cream: A light topping that adds a fluffy texture and enhances the cake’s flavors without overwhelming them.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the cake and brings out the chocolate notes beautifully.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Craving more flavors? Browse through our other tasty creations!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Chocolate Cherry Cake up to a day in advance. Bake the cake, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Storing: Leftover Chocolate Cherry Cake can be stored in an airtight container. It will remain fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For extended storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place slices of the cake on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 15-20 seconds until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cake
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is crucial when making a Chocolate Cherry Cake. Fresh cherries bring vibrant flavor and natural sweetness that can elevate your dessert. When selecting cherries, look for those that are firm and shiny, indicating ripeness. Avoid using wilted or overly soft fruits, as they may affect the cake’s texture and taste. Additionally, ensure your chocolate is of high quality. Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to achieve a rich flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cherries. Remember, freshness directly impacts the overall outcome of your cake.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense Chocolate Cherry Cake instead of a light and fluffy one. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no streaks of flour. This gentle approach helps maintain the cake’s airy structure. If you overmix, you activate gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher texture. Instead of stirring vigorously, fold in the cherries gently after your batter comes together. This method keeps the fruit intact and ensures an even distribution throughout the cake.
Let Your Cake Cool Properly
Cooling is an essential step when baking a Chocolate Cherry Cake. After taking it out of the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This process prevents sogginess and helps retain moisture without making the bottom too wet. If you try to remove it too soon, you risk breaking or crumbling the cake. Once fully cooled, you can frost or serve it without any issues. Proper cooling enhances both presentation and flavor.
Choose the Right Baking Pan
Selecting the appropriate baking pan can significantly impact your Chocolate Cherry Cake’s success. Using a dark non-stick pan may result in uneven baking, causing the edges to cook faster than the center. Instead, opt for a light-colored metal or glass pan for even heat distribution. Ensure your pan is greased well to prevent sticking; parchment paper can also be used for easy removal. The right pan will help achieve that perfect rise and beautiful crust essential for an impressive cake.
Get inspired with more easy recipes here!
FAQs
What is the best type of chocolate for Chocolate Cherry Cake?
When it comes to choosing chocolate, dark chocolate works best for a Chocolate Cherry Cake due to its rich flavor profile and lower sugar content compared to milk chocolate. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids; this will provide depth and balance against the sweetness of cherries. Some bakers prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips because they melt well and add pockets of gooeyness throughout the cake. Ultimately, personal preference plays a role here—choose what you enjoy most!
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries in your Chocolate Cherry Cake if fresh ones are unavailable. Frozen cherries offer convenience while retaining much of their flavor and nutritional value after thawing. However, it’s important to drain excess moisture from thawed cherries before adding them to your batter; this prevents excess liquid from affecting your cake’s texture. Consider lightly dusting them with flour before folding them into your batter; this technique helps keep them evenly distributed throughout.
How can I make my Chocolate Cherry Cake more decadent?
To enhance decadence in your Chocolate Cherry Cake, consider adding layers of rich frosting or ganache made from heavy cream and high-quality chocolate. Swirling cherry preserves or compote into your frosting adds both flavor and visual appeal. For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top once frosted; they provide a satisfying crunch that complements soft cake layers beautifully! You might also experiment by adding espresso powder into your batter for an extra layer of complexity.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Making a gluten-free Chocolate Cherry Cake is simple with ingredient substitutions such as almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blends available at most grocery stores today. Make sure that any other additional ingredients like baking powder are certified gluten-free too! Note that gluten-free batters may have different consistency levels than traditional ones; adjust liquid amounts as necessary until achieving desired texture while mixing carefully—not to overmix—to maintain fluffiness.
Want more? Discover another fantastic recipe!
Conclusion for Chocolate Cherry Cake
In summary, crafting a delicious Chocolate Cherry Cake requires attention to detail in every step—from selecting fresh ingredients to allowing proper cooling time after baking. Avoid common pitfalls such as overmixing or using incorrect pans that could compromise texture and flavor quality during preparation processes! By following these essential tips along with addressing frequently asked questions about ingredient choices or adaptations like going gluten-free ensures you’ll bake an irresistible treat worthy of any celebration! Embrace creativity by enhancing flavors through decadent toppings while enjoying every bite filled with luscious cherry goodness paired perfectly alongside rich chocolate notes—perfect harmony awaits!
Chocolate Cherry Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and sweet-tart cherries with this delectable Chocolate Cherry Cake. Perfect for any occasion, this cake boasts a moist texture and a delightful flavor that will surely impress your guests. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a stunning dessert that highlights the vibrant taste of fresh or frozen cherries. Top it off with creamy frosting or enjoy it plain for a comforting treat. Whether celebrating a special event or treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 ½ cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar.
- In another bowl, blend eggs, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Gradually mix into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the pitted cherries without breaking them.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Choose ripe cherries for maximum flavor; frozen cherries should be drained well before use.
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 218mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 76mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Choose ripe cherries for maximum flavor; frozen cherries should be drained well before use. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
