Cherry Chocolate Cake

Delicious Cherry Chocolate Cake with cherries and chocolate frosting

Why Make This Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the bright, tart notes of fresh cherries. This cake is perfect for celebrations, as a dessert after dinner, or simply as a treat for yourself. The contrast between the moist chocolate cake and juicy cherries makes every bite satisfying. Plus, it’s fun to make and even more fun to share!

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the boiling water until well combined; the batter will be thin.
  5. Fold in the fresh cherries.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans to cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Once cooled, layer the cakes with frosting of your choice and dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cake

Serve Cherry Chocolate Cake at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, but adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can make it even better. For special occasions, add a simple chocolate frosting or ganache between the layers to elevate the taste.

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How to Store Cherry Chocolate Cake

To store Cherry Chocolate Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it; it can last up to a week in the fridge. If you freeze the cake, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will stay good for about 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to let it thaw at room temperature before serving!

Tips to Make Cherry Chocolate Cake

  • Ensure your cherries are fresh and ripe for the best flavor.
  • You can substitute the fresh cherries with frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
  • For a richer flavor, consider adding a bit of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
  • Use different frostings like cream cheese or buttercream to change up the flavor profile.

Variation

For a twist on this recipe, try adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. You can also make this cake into cupcakes; just reduce the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Yes! You can use other fruits like raspberries or strawberries. Just make sure they are pitted and chopped if needed.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day or two in advance and store them as directed. Just frost them right before serving.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.