Chocolate Cherry Cake is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavors with juicy cherries, perfect for any occasion. This recipe blends moist chocolate cake layers with a luscious cherry filling and decadent chocolate ganache, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cake:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cake:
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the boiling water, mixing until the batter is well combined and smooth.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream until it just begins to boil.
- Remove from heat and pour over 12 oz of chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and shiny. Let cool until it thickens slightly.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Optionally, decorate with fresh cherries or chocolate shavings.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Chocolate: Provides the rich, deep cocoa flavor that forms the base of the cake.
- Cherries: Adds sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor, complementing the chocolate perfectly.
- Ganache: Offers a smooth and glossy finish, enhancing the cake’s indulgent texture.
Enjoy this Chocolate Cherry Cake as a decadent dessert that combines the best of chocolate and cherries in every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress at any gathering or celebration.
