Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Heavenly Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Rich chocolate sometimes meets sweet cherry in a decadent dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of moist chocolate cake blend perfectly with bursts of tart cherries.

Delicate crumbs melt smoothly across your palate, creating a symphony of flavors.

Dark cocoa and ripe cherries dance together in each luxurious bite.

Unexpected texture contrasts make this cake more than just another dessert.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the recipe invites you to become a home baker extraordinaire.

Chocolate Cherry Cake For Dreamy Dessert Nights

  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: The rich chocolate paired with sweet cherries creates an irresistible taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings or potluck parties.
  • Beginner Baker Friendly: Even novice cooks can master this recipe with easy-to-follow steps and no complicated techniques, ensuring a successful baking experience every single time.
  • Versatile Dessert Option: Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a casual get-together, or craving a sweet treat, this chocolate cherry cake fits perfectly into any occasion with its decadent and impressive presentation.

Ingredients Needed For Chocolate Cherry Cake

Cake Base:
  • Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the essential cake structure and flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Adds moisture and deep cherry flavor to the cake.
Liquid and Fat Components:
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy frosting texture.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth frosting base.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips, Powdered Sugar: Create a rich, sweet chocolate frosting that complements the cherry cake perfectly.

Chocolate Cherry Cake Step By Step Guide

Chocolate Cherry Cake Step By Step Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box.

This ensures the perfect baking environment for your delicious chocolate cherry cake.

Step 2: Create the Cake Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Cherry pie filling

Blend these ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture that looks irresistibly delectable.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan to prevent any sticking.

Pour the luscious batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake according to the cake mix package instructions.

Once done, remove and let the cake cool completely.

Step 5: Craft the Chocolate Frosting

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s smooth and silky.

Step 6: Blend the Frosting Ingredients

Add milk and chocolate chips to the melted butter.

Stir continuously until everything melts into a rich, glossy mixture.

Step 7: Whip Up the Final Frosting

Remove the pan from heat and whisk in powdered sugar.

Keep stirring until the frosting becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the cake has cooled, spread the decadent chocolate frosting generously over the top.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your amazing chocolate cherry cake!

Pro Tips For Rich Chocolate Cherry Cake

  • Add cherry pie filling to create an incredibly moist and rich chocolate cake texture that keeps every slice deliciously soft.
  • Thoroughly mix cake ingredients until blended smoothly, ensuring no dry cake mix pockets remain in the batter.
  • Continuously stir chocolate chips and butter while melting to achieve a silky, lump-free chocolate frosting with glossy consistency.
  • Let cake cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting and ensure a neat, professional-looking chocolate glaze.
  • Use non-stick baking spray or parchment paper for effortless cake removal and clean slicing without sticking.

Twist Up Chocolate Cherry Cake With Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cherry Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
  • Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Treat: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace pie filling with fresh cherries, and create a sugar-free chocolate frosting using alternative sweeteners like stevia.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Cherry Cake: Select dairy-free cake mix, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips for the frosting.

Serving Chocolate Cherry Cake With Style

Simple Steps to Cajun Alfredo Perfection
  • Sweet Cherry Chocolate Moments: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that balances warm cake with cool, creamy goodness.
  • Elegant Dessert Presentation: Dust the cake with powdered sugar or chocolate shavings to create a stunning visual appeal that makes each slice look professionally decorated.
  • Beverage Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich chocolate and cherry flavors with a hot cup of espresso or a chilled glass of red wine that enhances the cake's deep, sweet notes.
  • Party Serving Style: Cut cake into smaller squares for bite-sized treats perfect for gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy multiple dessert samples without feeling overwhelmed.

Storing Chocolate Cherry Cake For Later Slices

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap the entire unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
  • Warm refrigerated cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm.

FAQs

  • What makes this cake different from other chocolate cakes?

This cake uses cherry pie filling, which adds moisture and a unique fruity flavor to the traditional chocolate cake mix, creating a richer and more interesting dessert.

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

No, pie filling works best because it has the right consistency and moisture level to blend seamlessly into the cake batter without making it too wet.

  • Is this recipe good for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! The recipe uses a cake mix and simple ingredients, making it very easy to prepare even for those with minimal baking experience.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done baking.

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Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rich chocolate cherry cake delivers a symphony of indulgent flavors that dance between deep cocoa and sweet fruity notes. Bakers will delight in this elegant dessert that combines classic ingredients with a luxurious twist, promising a memorable slice of pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box angel food cake mix
  • 21 ounces (595 grams) cherry pie filling
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Cake Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by setting the temperature according to the cake mix package recommendations.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cake mix, eggs, and cherry pie filling until the mixture is uniform and lump-free.
  3. Transfer the prepared batter into a well-greased baking pan, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Bake the cake following the precise time and temperature guidelines on the cake mix package.
  5. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
  6. For the chocolate frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until fully liquefied.
  7. Gradually add milk and chocolate chips to the melted butter, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
  8. Remove the saucepan from heat and vigorously whisk in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
  9. Once the cake has cooled, generously and evenly spread the prepared chocolate frosting across the entire surface.

Notes

  • Check cake mix package for precise baking temperature to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
  • Fold cherry pie filling gently into cake batter to maintain fruit chunks and distribute evenly throughout the cake.
  • Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and better cake texture.
  • When melting chocolate chips, stir continuously to prevent scorching and achieve silky smooth frosting consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 285 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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