Cherry chocolate cake is the ultimate dessert that combines the sweet tang of cherries with the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate. Imagine cutting through a soft, moist cake, revealing vibrant cherry pieces nestled within, all while the aroma of freshly baked chocolate wafts through your kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
Every bite feels like a celebration, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a Tuesday when you need a little pick-me-up. Trust me, this cherry chocolate cake will have your taste buds dancing and your friends begging for the recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful cherry chocolate cake offers an easy preparation process that even novice bakers can master
- The flavor combination is truly something special—sweet cherries meet rich chocolate in every mouthful
- Visually stunning with its deep colors, it’s sure to impress any guest
- Perfect for celebrations but versatile enough to serve anytime you crave something sweet
I remember the first time I made this cherry chocolate cake; my family’s reaction was priceless. Their eyes widened in delight as they took that first bite—a reminder that food really does bring us together.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a light and fluffy texture in your cake.
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Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
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Baking Powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully, giving it that irresistible fluffy texture.
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Salt: A pinch of salt balances flavors and enhances the overall taste of the cake.
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Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter adds richness and moisture.
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Eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability to the cake.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
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Fresh Cherries: Sweet cherries are essential; pitted and chopped, they add bursts of flavor throughout the cake.
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Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips enhance the chocolaty goodness in every slice.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cake
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. Pre-measure everything for ease during baking—this makes life so much simpler!
Preheat Your Oven : Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the batter. This ensures it’s hot enough for perfect baking when you’re ready to pop in your creation.
Mix Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. The mixture should look like dark sand—a hint of what’s to come!
Cream Butter and Sugar : In another bowl, beat softened butter with remaining sugar until fluffy and pale. This step is crucial; it incorporates air into the batter for a light texture.
Add Eggs & Vanilla : Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. You’ll notice a luscious creaminess developing—this is good!
Combine Mixtures & Add Cherries : Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Gently fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips using a spatula; be careful not to overmix—this keeps it tender.
Now that you’ve crafted this delightful batter, pour it into a greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let it cool before frosting or serving—if you can resist that long! Enjoy each slice with joy as you share this sweet treat with loved ones!
You Must Know
- Mastering the cherry chocolate cake requires precision and a sprinkle of love
- The rich aroma of chocolate mingling with sweet cherries fills your kitchen with bliss, making it a delightful treat for any occasion
- It’s not just cake; it’s an experience you won’t forget
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix your dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar before slowly adding eggs for a fluffy batter.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping fresh cherries for frozen ones if they’re out of season. You could also experiment with dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked feel.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your cake light and airy
- Always check with a toothpick to ensure the cake is perfectly baked inside
My friend once declared my cherry chocolate cake as “the reason he was going to need new pants,” which I took as an excellent compliment!
FAQ
Can I use different fruits in this cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap cherries with raspberries or blueberries for varied flavors.
How do I know when my cherry chocolate cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Can I freeze this cherry chocolate cake?
Yes, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
Cherry Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Cherry chocolate cake is a delightful fusion of sweet cherries and rich chocolate, perfect for any occasion. This moist and tender cake features bursts of juicy cherries and chocolate chips in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser that will leave your friends and family asking for more. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a mid-week treat, this cake is sure to brighten your day.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted and chopped)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- In another bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg