Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe
You’re going to fall in love with this Chocolate Cherry Cake recipe! The rich chocolate flavor combined with the sweet burst of cherries creates a perfect harmony that’s hard to resist.
Every bite is a delightful experience, and I promise it’ll impress anyone you serve it to. It’s not just a cake; it’s a celebration of flavors. The moist texture and decadent layers make it an indulgent treat for any occasion.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients of Chocolate Cherry Cake
When it comes to baking, the ingredients you choose can make or break your dessert. For this Chocolate Cherry Cake, the combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply unforgettable.
If you’re like me, you probably have a bit of a love affair with chocolate, and adding cherries just takes it to a whole new level. So, let’s gather all the goodies you’ll need to whip up this delightful cake, shall we?
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cake:
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 tablespoon cocoa
- 2 cups flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 (4 ounce) bottle maraschino cherries
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (melted)
- 1 1/3 cups evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup Quik chocolate milk mix
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream (to whip until stiff)
Now, before you plunge into the mixing bowl, let’s talk about a few of these ingredients. Fresh or frozen cherries might be tempting, but trust me, maraschino cherries are the star of this show.
They bring that sweet, syrupy goodness that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate. Also, don’t skimp on the unsweetened chocolate; it’s the backbone of the cake’s flavor.
And if you’re all about the decadence, the heavy cream is what’ll take your frosting to cloud nine. Just imagine that fluffy whipped cream layered between those rich chocolate cakes. Oh, the bliss.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cake
Alright, let’s plunge into the deliciousness that’s the Chocolate Cherry Cake! First things first, preheat that oven to 350°F. You want to get it nice and toasty while you prepare your cake batter.
Grab a couple of cake pans—specifically, those trusty 9-inch ones—and grease them up. Dust them with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of flour and 1/2 tablespoon of cocoa. It’s like giving your cakes a cozy little bed to rest on while they bake.
Now, in a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. This step is essential because it helps aerate the flour, making your cake light and fluffy.
Meanwhile, take that 1/2 cup of butter and cream it together with 1 1/2 cups of sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Seriously, don’t rush this—fluffy butter and sugar is where the magic begins.
Next, beat in 2 eggs, then pour in 4 ounces of melted unsweetened chocolate, 1 1/3 cups of evaporated milk, and the cherry juice from that 4-ounce bottle of maraschino cherries. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy, and oh boy, I can almost smell the chocolate from here!
Once everything is blended, it’s time to introduce the flour mixture to the party. Gently fold it in, and then toss in those chopped cherries. You want to be gentle here; we’re not trying to start a cherry riot in the batter.
After everything is combined, pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once out of the oven, let the cakes sit for 5 to 8 minutes. Just enough time for you to wiggle around the kitchen and admire your work. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and cool them on racks.
After they’ve cooled, split the cakes in two, layer them up, and frost with that luscious chocolate whipped cream you made from 2 cups of heavy cream, whipped until stiff.
Just imagine that fluffy, rich goodness between those layers of chocolatey bliss. It’s a cake lover’s dream, isn’t it? So, grab a fork and indulge, because you’ve just created a masterpiece that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to get a slice.
Chocolate Cherry Cake Substitutions & Variations
After mastering the art of making a Chocolate Cherry Cake, it’s time to explore some fun substitutions and variations that can elevate this dessert even further.
You can swap maraschino cherries for fresh or frozen ones for a more natural flavor. If you’re out of unsweetened chocolate, try using cocoa powder with a bit of butter.
For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour. Want to spice things up? Add a splash of almond extract or a hint of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy!
What to Serve with Chocolate Cherry Cake
What pairs perfectly with a rich slice of Chocolate Cherry Cake? I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture balances the cake’s richness beautifully.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dollop of whipped cream infused with a hint of almond extract; it adds a lovely twist.
For a drink, a glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee elevates the experience.
If you want to impress, serve it with a cherry compote—those extra cherries really tie everything together.
Trust me, these pairings will make your dessert unforgettable!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Chocolate Cherry Cake turns out perfectly, I recommend a few additional tips.
First, make certain your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. When chopping the maraschino cherries, make sure they’re well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
I also suggest using high-quality unsweetened chocolate for a richer flavor. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped nuts to the batter.
Finally, don’t skip the cooling step; letting the cakes cool completely prevents them from crumbling when you frost.
With these tips, your cake will be a delightful success!