Chocolate And Cherry Cake – Decadent Treat

Indulging in a slice of Chocolate and Cherry Cake is like experiencing a delightful symphony of flavors. This cake combines rich, velvety chocolate with the sweet-tart burst of juicy cherries, creating a perfect balance that tantalizes the taste buds.

Celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself, this dessert is sure to impress. The moist layers of chocolate cake, paired with a luscious cherry sauce and creamy frosting, make for a visually stunning and irresistible treat.

Perfectly suitable for any gathering, this cake embodies both elegance and comfort, making it a favorite for chocolate lovers and fruit enthusiasts alike. Dive in and enjoy every bite!

How To Prepare Chocolate And Cherry Cake?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Yield: 8 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter (optional)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or frozen)

For the Cherry Sauce:

• 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How To Make Chocolate And Cherry Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures a light and fluffy cake.

Cream the Butter: In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add the Cherries: Gently fold in the pitted and halved cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

2. Bake the Cake

Divide and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Cherry Sauce

Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

4. Make the Chocolate Frosting

Beat the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and smooth.

5. Assemble the Cake

Layer the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top, followed by a generous amount of cherry sauce. Place the second cake layer on top.

Frost the Cake: Use the remaining chocolate frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with extra cherries if desired.

Special Note

Feel free to customize this cake with different toppings or fillings. You can use whipped cream instead of frosting for a lighter version, or even add a splash of almond extract for an extra flavor boost!

Delicious Serving Ideas For Your Chocolate And Cherry Cake

1. Individual Cake Slices with Cherry Drizzle

Serve each slice on a small plate with a drizzle of the cherry sauce on top. This adds a beautiful pop of color and enhances the cherry flavor with each bite.

2. Chocolate Ganache Topping

Melt some chocolate and cream together to create a rich ganache. Pour it over the cake before serving. This glossy finish will make your cake look extra indulgent and luxurious.

3. Whipped Cream and Fresh Cherries

Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice, garnished with a few whole cherries. The cream complements the richness of the cake while adding a light, airy texture.

4. Ice Cream à la Mode

Serve warm slices of the cake with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm cake and cherry sauce.

5. Mini Cake Jars

Layer the cake, cherry sauce, and frosting in small mason jars for a fun, portable dessert option. This is perfect for parties or picnics and adds a rustic touch to your presentation.

Quick Tips For Decorating Your Chocolate And Cherry Cake

➤ Smooth Frosting: Use a bench scraper or offset spatula to create a smooth finish on the frosting. Warm the tools slightly with hot water for an even cleaner look.

➤ Fresh Fruit Garnish: Top the cake with fresh cherries and mint leaves for a vibrant, natural touch. This adds color and complements the cherry flavor beautifully.

➤ Chocolate Shavings: Create chocolate shavings by using a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar. Sprinkle these over the top for a classy finish.

➤ Layering Techniques: For a tiered look, add additional layers of frosting between the cake layers, and let some of the cherry sauce peek out for a striking visual effect.

➤ Dusting with Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the top with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Use a fine sieve for even distribution without clumps.

Storing Your Chocolate And Cherry Cake

To store your Chocolate and Cherry Cake, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container.

This helps maintain its moisture and freshness. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic and then in foil. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying, and the cake will taste as delightful as the day you baked it!

Conclusion

The Chocolate and Cherry Cake is a delightful dessert that beautifully marries rich chocolate with the bright flavor of cherries.

Its moist layers and creamy frosting create a luscious experience that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations.

This cake not only satisfies sweet cravings but also offers a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests.

Following the recipe and decorating tips, you can create a masterpiece that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cake as much as I do—every bite is a celebration of flavor!

Here Are Some Recipes You Might Enjoy

White Cake With Chocolate With Frosting

Banana Applesauce Bread Recipe – Moist And Flavorful

Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread Recipe || Delightful Treat

Vanilla Bean Pound Cake – A Slice of Heaven

Healthy Honey Oat Wheat Bread Recipe