The Most Heavenly Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe Ever

Sweet memories often spark when a chocolate cherry cake arrives at the table, its rich layers promising pure delight.

Cherries nestled between decadent chocolate create a sensational dessert that feels like pure magic.

Bakers who adore unexpected flavor combinations will fall in love with this remarkable treat.

Our simple approach ensures anyone can craft this elegant confection without stress.

Magnificent textures emerge from the interplay of tart cherries and deep chocolate notes.

Dark chocolate’s intensity perfectly balances the bright, luscious cherry flavor profile.

We promise this cake will become your new favorite indulgence – dive right in and start baking!

Chocolate Cherry Cake With A Rich Finish

• Whip Up Effortlessly: Super simple recipe with only three main ingredients, perfect for busy home bakers who want delicious results without complicated steps.
• Speedy Sweet Solution: Total preparation and baking time under 40 minutes, making this an ideal dessert for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous sugar cravings.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic chocolate and cherry flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love this moist and decadent cake.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Works wonderfully for casual family dinners, potlucks, birthdays, or as a comforting weekend treat that requires minimal baking skills.

What Goes Into Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Angel Food Cake Mix: Light and fluffy base that provides the perfect soft texture for this dessert.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps structure the cake and adds richness.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds sweet and tangy flavor with juicy cherries throughout the cake, providing moisture and fruitiness.

• Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper: Essential for preventing the cake from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy removal and clean slicing.

Chocolate Cherry Cake Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

This temperature ensures perfect baking conditions for your delightful cake.

Step 2: Create The Cake Batter

• Angel food cake mix
• Eggs
• Cherry pie filling

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Transfer Batter To Pan

Carefully pour the prepared batter into a greased baking pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Frosting

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Once melted, add milk and chocolate chips.

Step 6: Create Smooth Frosting

Continuously stir the mixture until all chocolate chips are completely melted and the texture is silky smooth.

Step 7: Finalize Frosting

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in powdered sugar until the frosting is well blended and glossy.

Step 8: Frost And Serve

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the luscious chocolate frosting evenly over the top.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your magnificent chocolate cherry creation!

Smart Hints for Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Opt for ripe, juicy cherries to enhance the cake's natural fruit flavor and moisture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light, fluffy texture and prevent a dense cake.
• Allow the cake to cool entirely to room temperature to ensure the chocolate frosting sets perfectly and doesn't melt.
• Adjust powdered sugar amount to create a thicker or thinner frosting based on your preference.
• Substitute the angel food cake mix with a gluten-free alternative for those with dietary restrictions.

Chocolate Cherry Cake – Best Way to Preserve and Reheat

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covering it with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon, placing it in a covered cake carrier or under a cake dome.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance flavor.

Great Treats to Pair with Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Pair Sweet Chocolate Cherry Magic with Creamy Companions: Vanilla bean ice cream complements the rich chocolate and tangy cherry flavors, creating a delightful contrast that melts beautifully against the warm cake.
• Create Wine Romance: Select a luscious port wine or sweet red dessert wine like Brachetto d'Acqui, which echoes the deep cherry notes and chocolate intensity, enhancing the cake's decadent profile.
• Craft Beverage Harmony: Brew a smooth cappuccino or dark roast coffee to cut through the cake's sweetness, providing a robust counterpoint that elevates the dessert's complex taste layers.
• Boost Textural Delight: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed hazelnuts on top of the cake or alongside the serving, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts with the cake's soft, moist texture.

Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe Ingredient Swaps and Tips

• Gluten-Free Cherry Delight: Replace angel food cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version while maintaining the rich cherry and chocolate flavors.
• Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and choose a plant-based milk alternative for a completely vegan-friendly dessert that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free cherry pie filling, sugar substitute in frosting, and dark chocolate chips with high cocoa content to reduce overall sugar while keeping the cake's delicious profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Select coconut milk instead of regular milk, use dairy-free butter alternative, and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free for individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cake mix?

While angel food cake mix works best, you can experiment with white or yellow cake mixes for slightly different results.

• How do I know if the cherry pie filling is evenly mixed?

Stir the batter gently but thoroughly, ensuring no large clumps of cake mix remain and the cherries are distributed evenly throughout.

• What if I don't have a saucepan for the frosting?

You can use a microwave-safe bowl to melt butter and chocolate chips, stirring in 30-second intervals until smooth.

• Is this cake good for people who don't like strong cherry flavor?

The cherry pie filling provides a subtle, mild cherry taste that isn’t overpowering, making it enjoyable for most people.

Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate cherry cake brings together rich cocoa depths and sweet, tangy fruit in a luxurious dessert. Dark chocolate and ripe cherries create a harmonious blend that promises delightful moments of pure culinary pleasure you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box angel food cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) cherry pie filling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a perfectly warm environment for baking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the angel food cake mix with eggs and cherry pie filling, stirring until the ingredients seamlessly integrate into a uniform batter.
3. Transfer the mixed batter into a thoroughly greased baking pan, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface.
4. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, periodically checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge completely clean.
5. Allow the cake to cool completely, giving it ample time to settle and reach room temperature.
6. Create the decadent chocolate frosting by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, watching carefully to prevent scorching.
7. Introduce chocolate chips and milk to the melted butter, continuously stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, glossy consistency.
8. Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually incorporate powdered sugar, whisking until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.
9. Once the cake has cooled, generously coat the entire surface with the rich chocolate frosting, ensuring an even layer that covers every inch.
10. Slice, serve, and indulge in this delightful chocolate cherry dessert.

Notes

• Experiment with different cake mix flavors like vanilla or white for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
• Replace eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce for a vegan-friendly version that maintains moisture and texture.
• Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate to reduce sweetness and add a deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back when touched, indicating perfect baking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg