Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake

Indulge in the rich, irresistible flavors of this decadent chocolate cherry cake. The marriage of dark, velvety chocolate with the sweet, tangy cherries creates an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. This cake boasts a moist, tender crumb that is perfectly complemented by a luscious dark chocolate ganache and a burst of fruity cherry pie filling. It’s a showstopper dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes, and it’s easy enough to make for both casual and special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or simply a sweet craving, this chocolate cherry cake is bound to satisfy every sweet tooth.

The combination of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and a rich ganache gives the cake a deep chocolate flavor, while the cherry filling adds a refreshing burst of fruitiness. Garnished with maraschino cherries, this cake not only looks stunning but also offers a well-balanced taste that will leave your guests coming back for more. Best of all, the ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward, making this cake accessible to both beginner and seasoned bakers. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this decadent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ultimate Chocolate Flavor

The use of high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate ensures a deep, rich chocolate flavor that satisfies any chocolate lover.

2. Moist and Tender Texture

Buttermilk and vegetable oil keep the cake incredibly moist and soft, making each bite melt in your mouth.

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3. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of sweet cherries with rich chocolate creates a well-balanced dessert that is not too heavy or overly sweet.

4. Easy-to-Follow Recipe

Despite its indulgent appearance, this cake is simple to make, with accessible ingredients and a straightforward method.

5. Elegant Presentation

The ganache, cherry filling, and maraschino cherry garnish make this cake as visually appealing as it is delicious, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar or lemon juice)
• Vegetable oil
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Hot water
• Heavy cream
• Dark chocolate (chopped)
• Cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
• Maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, and a dairy-free cream alternative for the ganache.
• Different Fruit: Swap cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings, such as raspberry or blueberry, for a different twist.
• White Chocolate Ganache: If you prefer a lighter chocolate flavor, try making the ganache with white chocolate instead of dark chocolate.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Add Hot Water

Slowly add the hot water to the batter. The batter will be thin, but this helps intensify the chocolate flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Ganache

While the cake is baking, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of cherry pie filling over the top, then top with the second cake layer. Pour the ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with maraschino cherries on top of the cake and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Be sure to use room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and buttermilk, to ensure the cake batter mixes smoothly.
• Don’t overmix the batter; mixing just until combined will help the cake stay light and tender.
• Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over the cake so that it doesn’t run too quickly.
• If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, consider adding a bit of cherry liqueur to the cherry filling.

How to Serve

This decadent chocolate cherry cake is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee for an afternoon delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it for longer, refrigerate the cake, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake by wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds, or warm the entire cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed cocoa?

Yes, but Dutch-processed cocoa gives the cake a deeper, richer flavor, so it’s recommended for the best results.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it. Add the ganache and cherry filling just before serving.

3. How can I make this cake more chocolaty?

You can increase the amount of cocoa powder or add a bit of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

4. Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries; just make sure to cook them with some sugar to create a filling consistency.

5. Is there a way to make this cake lighter?

You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a lighter oil, but keep in mind that these changes may affect the cake’s texture.

6. Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can use an egg substitute like flax eggs or chia eggs for a vegan version of this cake.

7. Can I use whipped cream instead of ganache?

Yes, whipped cream is a great substitute for the ganache if you prefer a lighter topping.

8. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Check with a toothpick or cake tester; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.

9. How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pans well and lightly dust them with flour, or line the bottoms with parchment paper.

10. Can I make this cake in a single layer?

Yes, you can bake it in one larger cake pan, though you may need to adjust the baking time. Ensure it’s baked through by checking with a toothpick.

Conclusion

This decadent chocolate cherry cake is a perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. The combination of moist, rich chocolate cake with the sweet, tangy cherry filling and velvety chocolate ganache makes for a treat that’s as satisfying as it is indulgent. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a decadent dessert, this cake is sure to impress. Its simplicity in preparation and elegance in flavor make it a must-try for any baker!

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