The Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Here’s Why You’ll love this Chocolate Cherry Cake:

• Homemade Heaven: Skip the boxed mixes and create a homemade chocolate cherry cake that’s bursting with flavor and superior in texture.
• Double Chocolate Delight: This recipe uses both cocoa powder and melted chocolate for an intense and decadent chocolate experience.
• Cherry Delight: Fresh cherries add pops of vibrant color and a delightful burst of sweetness, making this cake perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pitted fresh cherries
• For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions:

Step 1

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Step 2

Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Step 3

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients: Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 4

Cherry Time! Gently fold in the pitted cherries, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 5

Bake Away! Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6

Cool Comfort: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 7

Optional Ganache: If desired, prepare the chocolate ganache by heating the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.

Tips for a Picture-Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cake:

• Fresh is Best: Use fresh, plump cherries for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy crumb.
• Frosting Options: While the chocolate ganache is a decadent choice, this cake also pairs well with buttercream frosting or even a simple glaze.
• Leftovers? Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Did you bake this cherry delight? Leave a comment and tell us how it turned out!