Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you are searching for a show-stopping dessert that wraps rich chocolate flavors and juicy cherries into one unforgettable bite, this Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the deep, indulgent taste of cocoa with bursts of sweet, tangy cherries throughout the moist layers and silky chocolate frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just treating yourself, this cake delivers that perfect balance of fruity freshness and luscious chocolate, making it a true crowd-pleaser every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward, thoughtful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the cocoa powder that provides that intense chocolate base, to the cherries that bring a lively pop of color and flavor, making the cake stunning both inside and out.

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for light, fluffy cake layers that hold everything together.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly for a tender crumb.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic buttermilk to give the cake lovely lift and softness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that rich, classic chocolate intensity.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything while lending richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts and deepens the chocolate flavor.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Makes the cake extra tender and moist.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully soft and fresh.
• 1 cup hot water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder for a smooth batter.
• 1 cup fresh or jarred maraschino cherries, chopped: The fruity surprise that brightens every bite—reserve some for decoration!
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The creamy base for luscious frosting.
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor to the frosting.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Accentuates the chocolate in the frosting.
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or more): Creates the perfect frosting consistency and silkiness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness of your frosting.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted: Infuses the frosting with deep chocolate decadence.
• Cherries (fresh or maraschino): For garnish, adding a pop of color and elegance.
• Chocolate shavings (optional): Adds an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Properly greasing and flouring your cake pans or lining them with parchment paper ensures your cake layers come out cleanly after baking. This simple prep step sets the stage for baking success.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Sifting not only removes any lumps but also aerates the mixture, contributing to a lighter cake texture.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until they’re well combined. Then, stir in the buttermilk and vegetable oil until the mixture is silky smooth and ready to meet the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense. Gradually pour in the hot water for a thin batter that promises moist, tender layers.

Step 5: Add Chopped Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed so every slice has delightful bursts of fruity flavor. This step adds texture and freshness that truly elevates the cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth and luscious. Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and the melted chocolate for that deep chocolate richness. Add heavy cream a little at a time until the frosting is perfect for spreading—creamy but firm enough to hold shape.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one cake layer on your serving plate and generously spread frosting on top. Add the second layer and coat the entire cake with the remaining frosting for an irresistible finish.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top your Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe with whole cherries, extra chopped cherries, and elegant chocolate shavings to impress your guests visually and add those final layers of texture and flavor. Slice into this beauty and get ready to enjoy every rich, fruity bite.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Decorating with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings not only makes the cake look festive and inviting but also adds contrasting textures. The cherries bring a juicy burst, while the shavings add just enough chocolate crunch to make each bite a delight.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a cool contrast, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh berries on the side can amplify the cherry theme and add a refreshing zing.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a vintage cake stand for a stunning centerpiece. You might also layer it with different cherry preserves or swirl in some cherry liqueur into the frosting for a boozy touch that will impress guests even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cake fresh by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is a better option, just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the texture and flavor.

Freezing

The Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the frosted cake or individual layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently heat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the frosting and makes the chocolate flavors more aromatic, almost like a warm chocolate cherry hug in every bite.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh or maraschino?

Yes! Frozen cherries work well if you drain them thoroughly to avoid extra moisture in the batter. They can offer a similar burst of flavor and texture, especially when fresh cherries are out of season.

Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk is key for tenderizing the cake and balancing the cocoa’s bitterness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes before use.

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

Lightly tossing the chopped cherries in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter helps suspend them evenly throughout the cake layers, ensuring cherries appear in every slice.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly, but the cherry chocolate magic will remain intact.

What kind of chocolate chips work best for the frosting?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal since they provide a nice balance of sweetness and richness. You can also experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference for a more intense or sweeter frosting.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe is an absolute delight to bake and savor. It captures that perfect harmony of chocolate decadence and bright cherry flavor in a way that feels both comfortingly classic and uniquely special. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find that every bite feels like a little celebration, and the smiles it brings around your table will be well worth every moment spent in the kitchen.

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