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If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly combines decadence with a hint of fruity delight, the Chocolate Cherry Cake with Rich Chocolate Frosting Recipe is going to steal your heart. This indulgent cake features moist, chocolatey layers bursting with juicy cherries, all topped generously with a luscious, velvety chocolate frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a treat to brighten your day, this cake balances rich flavors and textures in a way that’s absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this cake is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in achieving that unforgettable flavor and texture. From the classic devil’s food cake mix that forms the tender base to the vibrant cherry pie filling that adds juicy bursts of flavor, every component is essential and straightforward.
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix (1 box + ¾ cup): The foundation of the cake, providing deep chocolate flavor and structure.
- Cherry Pie Filling (1 can, 12 oz): Adds sweet, tangy cherries that beautifully complement the chocolate.
- Almond Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the cherry flavor with a subtle, nutty aroma.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and give the cake a rich, tender crumb.
- Milk (¼ cup + ⅓ cup): Adds moisture for a soft, moist texture throughout the cake and frosting.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting perfectly without overpowering.
- Butter (5 Tbsp): Provides creaminess and richness to the frosting.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melt down for that luscious, glossy chocolate frosting everyone will love.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cake with Rich Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly, ensuring the cake won’t stick when it’s done. This step is critical for achieving those perfect, clean edges after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract, eggs, and ¼ cup of milk. Using an electric mixer, blend everything just until it comes together in a smooth batter. If you prefer pockets of whole cherries throughout your cake, skip the electric mixer and gently fold the mixture by hand to keep those cherries intact.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Once baked, remove the cake and allow it to cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Rich Chocolate Frosting
For the frosting, combine the sugar, butter, and â…“ cup milk in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil and maintain the boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove the pan from heat, then immediately stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until the mixture is silky smooth. Pour this warm, indulgent frosting evenly over the cooled cake, letting it drizzle down the sides for a luscious finish.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cake with Rich Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavors by sprinkling some extra fresh cherries or chocolate shavings on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped toasted almonds adds a beautiful contrast and inviting texture.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate and cherry flavors with creamy freshness. A cup of strong coffee or a bold red wine also complements this dessert perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for a party platter or serve it as a layered trifle with extra cherry preserves and whipped cream in between. You can even experiment by adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top for that extra touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and frosted, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or pop it into the fridge to keep it fresh for about 4 days. This cake’s moist texture holds up beautifully over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layer wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add your rich chocolate frosting fresh before serving for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
If you want your slices to have that just-baked warmth, microwave individual pieces for about 15 seconds. This brings out the gooey nature of the frosting and revives the tender crumb of the cake.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you use fresh cherries, make sure to pit and chop them, and toss them with a little sugar and cornstarch to mimic the texture of pie filling and prevent excess moisture in the cake.
Is this Chocolate Cherry Cake with Rich Chocolate Frosting Recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for bakers at any skill level. The use of cake mix simplifies the process, but the combination of ingredients gives you a homemade, gourmet result.
Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?
You can, though almond extract enhances the cherry flavor uniquely. Vanilla will still taste great but gives a milder, sweeter undertone instead of the nutty accent.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid waiting until the toothpick is totally dry, as that can make the cake less moist.
What is the best way to ensure the chocolate frosting is smooth?
Make sure to stir the frosting constantly while boiling and add the chocolate chips immediately after removing the mixture from heat. This prevents the chocolate from burning and helps it melt evenly into a glossy, smooth frosting.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Cherry Cake with Rich Chocolate Frosting Recipe is a delightful way to indulge your chocolate cravings while enjoying the fresh, fruity charm of cherries. It’s easy to make, irresistibly moist, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I warmly encourage you to bake this cake soon—it’s a surefire way to bring smiles and satisfy sweet tooths in the most delicious way possible.
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Chocolate Cherry Cake with Rich Chocolate Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Cherry Cake is a delightful combination of rich devil’s food chocolate cake and sweet cherry pie filling, topped with a luscious homemade chocolate frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, this cake offers a moist texture with a burst of cherry flavor and a smooth, glossy chocolate topping.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 (15.25-oz) box Devil’s Food Cake Mix
- ¾ cup Devil’s Food Cake Mix (extra to make up for shrinkage)
- 1 (12-oz) can cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Frosting
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 tablespoons butter
- â…“ cup milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to be ready for the batter.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food Cake Mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract, eggs, and milk. Use an electric mixer to blend everything just until combined. For those who prefer whole cherries in the cake, mix the batter gently by hand to avoid breaking the cherries.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Once done, remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, combine sugar, butter, and milk in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Continue boiling for 2 minutes while stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Frost the Cake: Immediately pour the warm chocolate frosting over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly to cover the top. Let the frosting set before serving.
Notes
- Mix the batter by hand if you want to keep whole cherries intact in the cake.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before pouring the frosting to prevent it from melting off.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
