Introduction
Have you ever tasted a dessert that perfectly balances richness and tartness? The chocolate cherry cake is just that—an enchanting combination of velvety chocolate and juicy cherries that will tantalize your taste buds. This cake is the epitome of indulgence, with layers of moist chocolate sponge and vibrant cherry filling that burst with flavor.
Imagine slicing into a beautifully frosted cake, its deep brown color contrasting against the bright red cherries peeking through. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a dinner party, this delightful treat is sure to impress your guests. The aroma of baked chocolate mingling with sweet cherries creates an anticipation that makes every bite even more satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate cherry cake
Decadent Flavor Profile: This chocolate cherry cake brings an exceptional flavor profile that combines the rich taste of dark cocoa with the sweetness of ripe cherries. Each bite delivers a delightful explosion of taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a fancy celebration, this cake suits every event. Impress your friends at a potluck or make someone’s birthday extra special with this show-stopping dessert.
Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by its stunning appearance; making this delicious cake is surprisingly simple! With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, you can create a professional-looking dessert at home without stress.
Versatile Options: You can easily modify this recipe to fit dietary needs or preferences. Try using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version or add nuts for an extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for giving structure to the cake; sift it well to avoid lumps.
- Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for deep flavor; Dutch-processed gives a richer color.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar helps balance the bittersweet flavors of the cocoa and enhances sweetness.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure your cake rises nicely and has a light texture.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors in the cake; don’t skip it!
- Large Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and structure; room temperature ones work best.
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness; feel free to substitute with almond milk if desired.
- Vegetable Oil: Using oil keeps the cake moist compared to butter.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavors in your batter beautifully.
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Choose sweet cherries for flavor; if using frozen, thaw them first and drain excess juice.
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:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round baking pans with nonstick spray and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth using an electric mixer on medium speed for about two minutes.
Add Cherries: Gently fold in chopped cherries into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix as you want chunks of fruit throughout your cakes.
Bake Cakes: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for ten minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.
Frosting and Serve: Once completely cooled, frost the cakes with your favorite chocolate frosting. Stack them together on a serving plate and garnish with additional cherries if desired. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature helps incorporate air into the batter better for fluffier cakes.
Avoid Overmixing Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cakes; mix just until combined when adding wet ingredients to dry.
Check Oven Temperature Accuracy: An oven thermometer ensures you’re baking at optimal temperatures as ovens vary widely in accuracy.
Add Extra Cherries on Top: For added visual appeal and flavor contrast when serving, consider topping your frosted cake with whole cherries or cherry compote.
Store Properly After Baking: Keep leftover slices covered tightly at room temperature or refrigerate if you prefer it chilled to maintain freshness over several days.
Mistakes to avoid
Not measuring ingredients accurately
When baking a chocolate cherry cake, precision is key. Using too much or too little of any ingredient can drastically affect the cake’s texture and flavor. Always use measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients like flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for wet ingredients. A kitchen scale can also provide accuracy, especially when dealing with heavier items like chocolate. This attention to detail ensures that your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Skipping the quality of chocolate
The type of chocolate you choose plays a significant role in the taste of your chocolate cherry cake. Using low-quality chocolate can result in a less flavorful dessert. Opt for high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate that contains at least 60% cocoa. This choice enhances the richness of the cake and balances the sweetness of the cherries. Investing in good chocolate might seem unnecessary, but it truly elevates your baking experience.
Overmixing the batter
One common mistake when making a chocolate cherry cake is overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a dense and chewy texture instead of a light and fluffy one. Mix just until you see no dry flour; small lumps are okay. This gentle approach allows your cake to rise beautifully while maintaining a tender crumb, ensuring that each slice is moist and delicious.
Ignoring oven temperature
Oven temperature is critical when baking a chocolate cherry cake. An oven that runs too hot can cause the outside to cook faster than the inside, resulting in an undercooked center. Conversely, an oven that’s too cool may lead to a flat cake that doesn’t rise properly. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy and preheat your oven thoroughly before placing your cake inside, following recommended baking times closely for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Warm with Whipped Cream
Enjoy your chocolate cherry cake warm from the oven, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. The lightness of the cream complements the rich flavors of the chocolate and the tartness of the cherries perfectly. For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few fresh cherries on top for presentation. This delightful combination makes it an excellent dessert choice for dinner parties or family gatherings.
A La Mode with Ice Cream
For a decadent twist, serve your chocolate cherry cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts slightly against the warm cake, creating a delicious contrast in temperature and taste. This pairing enhances the sweetness of the cake while balancing its density. You can also experiment with different ice cream flavors like cherry or dark chocolate to elevate this dessert experience.
With Fresh Fruit Garnish
Add freshness to your chocolate cherry cake by serving it with a side of seasonal fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or even a citrus salad. The acidity and brightness of these fruits cut through the richness of the cake, providing a refreshing balance. Consider arranging them artfully on the plate to create an appealing presentation that will impress your guests.
Pair with Coffee or Dessert Wine
Enhance your dessert experience by pairing your chocolate cherry cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine. A robust coffee complements the deep chocolate flavor, while a sweet dessert wine brings out the fruity notes in the cherries. This combination not only elevates your meal but also makes for an inviting end to any gathering.
FAQs
What is Chocolate Cherry Cake?
Chocolate cherry cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with tart cherries. It features layers of moist chocolate sponge filled or topped with cherries, often complemented by frosting made from either chocolate or cherry flavors. This cake is perfect for celebrations and can be easily customized to suit various tastes.
Can I use frozen cherries for Chocolate Cherry Cake?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries when making chocolate cherry cake. Just be sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess juice to avoid making your batter too wet. Frozen cherries maintain their flavor well and can be just as delicious as fresh ones in this recipe.
How should I store leftover Chocolate Cherry Cake?
To store leftover chocolate cherry cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature if consumed within two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it where it can last up to five days. You can also wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months, allowing for easy treats later on.
Can I make Chocolate Cherry Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your chocolate cherry cake ahead of time. Bake and cool it completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze it before icing and then thaw before serving. This allows you to enjoy this delicious dessert without last-minute stress
Chocolate Cherry Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the heavenly pairing of rich chocolate and tart cherries with this decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake. This delightful dessert features layers of moist chocolate sponge cake infused with juicy cherries, creating a flavor explosion that will captivate your taste buds. Perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to dinner parties, this cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious. With straightforward instructions and accessible ingredients, baking this impressive treat at home is easier than you think. Topped with creamy chocolate frosting and garnished with fresh cherries, each slice offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Large eggs
- Whole milk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh or frozen cherries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round baking pans and line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Create a well in the dry mixture and add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in chopped cherries.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool before frosting with chocolate icing and stacking them.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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