Craving a decadent treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of cherries? Look no further than the irresistible charm of chocolate cherry cake recipes. This delightful dessert boasts layers of moist chocolate buttermilk cake, luscious chocolate buttercream, and a delightful cherry jam filling. It’s a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing with joy.
Indulge in the simplicity of this easy-to-make chocolate cherry cake that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re planning a gathering or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this cake is a surefire crowd-pleaser. With a few clever shortcuts, you can enjoy a homemade taste without the hassle. So, why resist the temptation of a slice of triple chocolate cherry cake perfection? Treat yourself to a slice of bliss with this moist and chocolatey delight.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- Boxed Devil’s Food Cake mix
- Eggs
- Almond extract
- Cherry pie filling
- Semisweet chocolate chips
Cherry Filling Ingredients
- Cherries (fresh or frozen)
- Cherry pie filling
- Chocolate
- Unsalted butter
- Confectioners sugar
- Dutch process cocoa powder
- Salt
- Light corn syrup
- Vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
To create the decadent and delightful chocolate cherry cake, you will need the following essential kitchen equipment:
1. Mixing Bowls:
Having multiple mixing bowls in various sizes allows for easy preparation and ensures efficient mixing of the cake batter and frosting.
2. Electric Mixer:
An electric mixer is essential for blending the butter, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients to achieve a light and fluffy cake batter.
3. Cake Pans:
Prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan or two 6-inch cake pans to bake the cake to perfection, resulting in a moist and delicious dessert.
4. Spatula:
A spatula is necessary for folding in the cherry pie filling into the cake batter gently and evenly.
5. Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure the cake bakes evenly and reaches the perfect texture.
6. Cooling Rack:
Allow the chocolate cherry cake to cool properly by placing it on a cooling rack, ensuring a moist and tender crumb.
7. Piping Bags and Tips:
For those extra decorative touches, piping bags and tips come in handy for spreading or piping the chocolate buttercream frosting on the cake.
With these essential kitchen tools, you are well-equipped to create a scrumptious chocolate cherry cake that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Cherry Filling
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of pitted and roughly chopped fresh cherries, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/3 cup of water.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and the cherries soften, for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once done, transfer the cherry filling to a bowl and allow it to cool completely before using it in the cake.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it.
- Using an electric mixer, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix in cocoa powder until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the prepared cherry pie filling into the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool on a rack before assembling it with the cherry filling and frosting.
Baking the Cake
After preparing the cherry filling and assembling the batter, it’s time to bake the chocolate cherry cake. Follow these simple steps to ensure a luscious and moist outcome:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F for the perfect baking temperature.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan with your preferred baking spray. Ensure even coverage to prevent sticking.
- Mixing the Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food Cake Mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth.
- Incorporate the Cherry Pie Filling: Gently fold in the cherry pie filling, making sure the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center.
- Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a cake base or stand for decorating.
By following these steps, you’ll have a decadent chocolate cherry cake ready to be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later in an airtight container. Let’s dive into the next section for decorating and serving tips.
Making the Frosting
To make the frosting for our delicious chocolate cherry cake, we will be preparing a beautifully pink buttercream infused with the flavors of cherries. The frosting adds the perfect touch of sweetness and complements the rich flavors of the cake and cherry filling.
Ingredients for the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cherries (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, and beat the frosting until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Fold in the finely chopped cherries, including any juices, into the buttercream. These cherries will add both flavor and texture to the frosting, creating a delightful speckled appearance.
- Continue mixing until the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the frosting, ensuring a burst of cherry flavor in every bite.
- If the frosting appears too thin or soft, adjust the consistency by adding more confectioners’ sugar until you reach the desired texture.
- Once the frosting is ready, generously spread it over the cooled chocolate cherry cake, covering the top and sides evenly.
- For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle some easy homemade ganache over the frosting, allowing it to drip down the sides for a stunning finish.
By following these steps, you’ll create a beautifully pink cherry-infused buttercream frosting that elevates the flavors of the chocolate cherry cake to a whole new level. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and luscious frosting makes this cake a standout dessert for any occasion.
Assembling the Cake
After the cake has completely cooled to room temperature, it’s time to assemble this decadent chocolate cherry masterpiece. Here’s how I put it all together:
- Prepare the Cake: Start by slicing the cake in half horizontally to create two even layers. If the cake feels a bit dry, brush some milk on the inside of both halves to add moisture.
- Prepare the Pan: Depending on the type of pan you’re using, follow these steps:
- Springform Pan: If using a springform pan, proceed with the assembly as normal.
- Tall 7-Inch Cake Pan: Line the pan with a large piece of plastic wrap to make it easier to lift the cake out later.
- Layering the Cake:
- Place the bottom half of the cake in the pan.
- Spread half of the prepared chocolate pudding onto the cake layer.
- Add a generous layer of the cherry filling on top of the pudding.
- Spread the remaining chocolate pudding over the cherry filling.
- Gently place the top cake layer on the pudding layer, pressing down slightly to secure the layers.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the assembled cake and place it in the fridge to chill before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste experience.
Decorating Tips
- Fresh Cherries: Use fresh cherries to decorate the top of the cake for a beautiful and natural look. Wash and pit the cherries before placing them strategically on the cake.
- Chocolate Shavings: Create elegant chocolate shavings using a vegetable peeler on a bar of chocolate. Sprinkle the shavings over the frosting for a classic and decadent touch.
- Whipped Cream: Pipe swirls of whipped cream around the edges of the cake using a piping bag fitted with a star tip. This adds a light and creamy element to the presentation.
- Cherry Syrup Drizzle: Drizzle cherry syrup over the top of the cake for a pop of color and extra cherry flavor. Use a spoon to create a decorative pattern or simply let the syrup cascade down the sides.
- Sprinkle of Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve. This adds a hint of bitterness and enhances the chocolate flavors in the cake.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of greenery and a burst of freshness. Place the leaves strategically around the cherries for a visually appealing finish.
- Edible Flowers: For an elegant and whimsical touch, consider using edible flowers to decorate the cake. Choose flowers that are safe for consumption and place them delicately on the frosting.
- Chocolate Curls: Create chocolate curls using a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar. Gently press the curls onto the frosting to add texture and visual interest to the cake.
- Cherry Blossoms: If available, use cherry blossom petals to adorn the cake for a delicate and sophisticated look. Ensure the petals are clean and pesticide-free before using them as decorations.
- Personalized Cake Topper: Add a personalized cake topper with a message or design that fits the occasion. This final touch can make the cake even more special and unique for your celebration.
Serving and Storing
How to Serve
To serve this delectable chocolate cherry cake, slice it into generous portions and plate each slice with care. You can enhance the experience by adding a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream on the side. For an extra indulgent touch, consider topping each slice with more fresh cherries to elevate the presentation and taste.
Storage Guidelines
After preparing and enjoying your chocolate cherry cake, it’s essential to store any leftovers correctly. Due to the cherries in the cake, always refrigerate the remaining portions in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Ensure that the cake is completely cooled before storing it, and remember to refrigerate the cake until ready to serve to preserve its flavors and texture.
Conclusion
Creating a chocolate cherry cake is a delightful experience that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of cherries. From moist buttermilk layers to cherry-infused buttercream frosting, every step adds to the decadence of this dessert. Decorating with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, and whipped cream swirls elevates the presentation. Serving generously with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream enhances the flavors. Remember to store leftovers properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Enjoy the process of making and savoring this delectable chocolate cherry cake with your loved ones.