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Chocolate Cherry Cake

Chocolate Cherry Cake

Luna
Chocolate Cherry Cake is a rich, moist cake combining decadent chocolate with juicy cherries. The batter features cocoa, while cherries add bursts of fruity sweetness. Topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and garnished with fresh cherries, this cake is perfect for any special occasion or indulgent treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • electric mixer,
  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • parchment paper,
  • Cooling rack
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup pitted and halved fresh cherries or canned cherries, drained

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Garnish:

  • Fresh cherries
  • Chocolate shavings

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prep:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

  • Beat softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

  • Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Combine Ingredients:

  • Alternately mix the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Fold in Cherries:

  • Gently fold in pitted and halved cherries for bursts of sweetness.

Bake:

  • Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare Ganache:

  • Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, whisk until smooth, and stir in butter.

Assemble Cake:

  • Once cooled, pour ganache over the cake, smoothing it over the top and sides.

Garnish and Serve:

  • Decorate with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra touch of elegance, consider topping your Chocolate Cherry Cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
Adding fresh or candied cherries on top not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a stunning presentation.
Keyword Chocolate Cherry Cake