Chocolate Cherry Cake – A Sweet Treat

Chocolate cherry cake recipe is a rich, moist dessert I discovered on My Baking Addiction and have been baking ever since.

The mix of chocolate cake and cherry pie filling creates an unforgettable flavor that’s become a family favorite. I’ve made this cake over fifteen times now, and every time, it brings the same excitement.

I made a few changes to give chocolate cherry cake a more bakery-style look, especially enhancing the frosting with extra cocoa and almond extract.

This version reflects my personal taste and baking style. Now, I’m going to share exactly how I prepare this chocolate cherry cake recipe step-by-step.

Why My Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe Works

My Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe works because it balances simplicity and flavor perfectly. The cherry pie filling adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake tender and juicy without extra effort.

Using a chocolate cake mix keeps the process quick but doesn’t sacrifice taste. The almond extract enhances the flavor, giving the cake a subtle, delicious twist.

The frosting, made from melted butter, cocoa, and vanilla bean paste, complements the cake’s richness with a smooth, creamy finish.

Small tweaks I made, like boosting the cocoa in the frosting, bring a bakery-quality touch that makes this cake stand out every time.

How To Prepare Chocolate Cherry Cake?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 medium mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter (for powdered sugar)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 1 box chocolate cake mix (any standard 15.25 oz box)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ⅓ cup milk
• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)

How To Make Chocolate Cherry Cake:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside.

2. Mix the cake batter

In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, eggs, and almond extract. Using an electric mixer or hand whisk, blend the ingredients until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick and speckled with cherries.

3. Bake the cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before frosting.

4. Prepare the frosting base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, almond extract, and cocoa powder until smooth.

5. Add powdered sugar

Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the vanilla bean paste and mix until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

6. Frost the cooled cake

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Work quickly, as the frosting can set up fast.

7. Serve and enjoy

Slice into 12 squares and serve as-is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Baker’s Notes

Almond extract brings out the cherry flavor beautifully, but you can substitute vanilla extract if preferred. The cherry pie filling already contains sugar, so no need to add extra sweetener to the cake batter. For a richer texture, fold in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.

Nutritional Facts Chocolate Cherry Cake

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	420
Fat	22g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	270mg
Carbohydrates	53g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	34g
Protein	6g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Cherry Cake brings together rich chocolate and sweet cherries in a way that feels special but is easy to make.

The cake stays moist thanks to the cherry pie filling, while the almond extract adds a delicate hint of flavor that elevates the whole dessert. The frosting is creamy and perfectly chocolatey, balancing the sweetness of the cherries.

It’s a cake that looks impressive but comes together without fuss, making it great for sharing with family or friends. Every time I make it, it’s met with smiles and requests for seconds.

Decorating And Serving Ideas

For a beautiful finish, sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls over the frosted cake to add texture and a touch of elegance. Fresh or maraschino cherries on top enhance both the look and cherry flavor.

You can also dust the edges lightly with powdered sugar for a delicate touch. Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate.

For special occasions, add edible gold flakes or drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the top. This cake looks as good as it tastes, making it a stunning centerpiece.

Tips and Variations

1. Cherry Options: If fresh cherries are out of season, you can use frozen cherries (thawed and drained) or canned cherries (drained). Just be sure to pat them dry before folding them into the batter.

2. Chocolate Ganache: For a different twist, try adding a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur (like Kirsch or Amaretto) to the ganache for an extra layer of flavor.

3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Ensure that the baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

4. Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute, the eggs with flax eggs, and the buttermilk with a mixture of almond milk and vinegar to create a vegan-friendly version.

Is Cherry Good For Health?

Cherries are excellent for overall health. They’re rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Cherries also provide a good source of vitamins C and A, fiber, and potassium, which support heart health, aid digestion, and boost the immune system.

Whether eaten fresh, dried, or as juice, cherries can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet.

Is Cherry Good For Pregnancy?

Cherries are a fantastic addition to a pregnancy diet because they’re packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

These nutrients help boost the immune system, support healthy blood pressure, and reduce inflammation, which can be especially beneficial during pregnancy.

Additionally, cherries have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and can aid in reducing swelling, a common discomfort in pregnancy.

Their natural sweetness also makes them a healthy alternative to sugary snacks, helping to satisfy cravings in a nutritious way.

Additions And Substitutions

You can easily customize this chocolate cherry cake to suit your taste or dietary needs. For extra texture, try folding in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.

If you prefer a more intense cherry flavor, add a handful of fresh or frozen cherries alongside the pie filling. To make the frosting dairy-free, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine and use almond milk instead of regular milk.

For a twist, swap almond extract for a splash of cherry or orange extract. Gluten-free cake mix can also be used to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.

Storage Instructions

Store the chocolate cherry cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If your kitchen is warm, keeping it in the refrigerator is best to prevent the frosting from melting; just bring the cake back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For longer storage, wrap the chocolate cherry cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying. Avoid storing the cake uncovered to keep it moist and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This chocolate cherry cake has become a favorite for good reason. It’s simple to make yet delivers rich flavors and a moist, tender crumb.

The cherries add a fresh twist that lifts the chocolate, while the frosting ties everything together beautifully. Over time, I’ve made small tweaks that enhance the taste without complicating the process.

It’s a chocolate cherry cake worth keeping in your collection for whenever you want something delicious and fuss-free.