Chocolate Cherry Cake: 1 Divine Recipe

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chocolate Cherry Cake has always held a special place in my heart, ever since I was a little girl helping my mom in the kitchen. The aroma of rich chocolate mingling with sweet, tart cherries is pure magic. Learning how to make chocolate cherry cake that’s incredibly moist and bursting with flavor felt like unlocking a delicious secret. This easy chocolate cherry cake recipe is my go-to for birthdays, holidays, or just because. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, and the homemade cherry jam swirled into the tangy cream cheese frosting is simply divine. Get ready to impress everyone – let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cake

You’re going to adore this dessert for so many reasons!

The taste is absolutely divine, a perfect balance of rich chocolate and bright cherry.
It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an easy chocolate cherry cake for busy weeknights.
Packed with real fruit, it feels a little healthier than your average cake.
Using pantry staples and fresh cherries makes it wonderfully budget-friendly.
This recipe is a huge hit with kids and adults alike – pure family-friendly joy!
You’ll get that coveted moist chocolate cherry cake texture that melts in your mouth.
The homemade cherry jam adds a special touch that elevates it to bakery-level quality.
It’s a fantastic dessert for any celebration, big or small.

Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Cherry Cake

Putting together this chocolate and cherry cake recipe is a breeze with these simple ingredients. You’ll find that each element plays a crucial role in creating that perfect bite.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – provides the cake’s structure
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – for that deep chocolate flavor
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – helps the cake rise beautifully
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – works with acidic ingredients for lift
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances and enhances sweetness
1/2 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable) – keeps the cake incredibly moist
1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness and tenderness
2 large eggs (room temperature) – bind ingredients and add richness
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
3/4 cup milk (room temperature) – adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb
1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional) – for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness
1 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen) – the star of our cake!
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for jam) – sweetens the homemade cherry jam
2 teaspoons lemon juice (for jam) – adds brightness to the jam
2 cups full-fat cream cheese (cold, about 16 oz) – essential for a stable and creamy frosting
1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – creates a smooth, spreadable frosting base
2 to 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted) – for a sweet, fluffy frosting
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting) – adds flavor to the frosting
Pinch of salt (for frosting) – cuts through the sweetness of the frosting
2-3 tablespoons cooled cherry jam (from above) – to swirl into the frosting
1/2 lemon juiced (for frosting, optional) – adds a tangy counterpoint to the frosting

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cake

Let’s dive into creating this incredible dessert! This easy chocolate cherry cake is a joy to bake, and following these steps will ensure a beautiful and delicious outcome.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cakes won’t stick.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until everything is well combined. This dry mix forms the base of our cake.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 1/2 cup neutral oil and 1 cup granulated sugar until they’re just combined. The oil keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
Step 4: Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The eggs add richness and help bind everything together.
Step 5: Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the 3/4 cup milk in two parts. Remember to start and end with the dry ingredients. This method helps prevent overmixing.
Step 6: Mix gently just until smooth and no streaks remain. It’s crucial to avoid overmixing for a tender crumb – a key chocolate cherry cake baking tip!
Step 7: If you’re using them, gently fold in the 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate now for extra chocolatey pockets.
Step 8: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. You want equal amounts in each for even baking.
Step 9: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. That’s your sign it’s perfectly done!
Step 10: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is important for easy handling.

Making the Cherry Jam

In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring and mashing some cherries. This simple process creates a burst of cherry flavor for our cake.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the 1/2 cup unsalted butter until fluffy. Add the 2 cups cold cream cheese and beat until smooth. Mix in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Gradually add the 2 to 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar until the frosting is thick and creamy. Gently fold in 2–3 tablespoons of cooled cherry jam. Cover and chill overnight.

Assembling the Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake

Once cooled, level your cake layers if needed. Place the first layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting, and optionally add a thin layer of jam. Top with the second cake layer. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting and chill briefly before applying the final, smooth frosting layer.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cherry Cake

To ensure your cake is absolutely perfect, here are a few insider tips I’ve picked up along the way. These little tricks really make a difference in achieving that signature moist texture and rich flavor.

Always use room temperature eggs and milk for the batter; they incorporate much more smoothly.
Don’t overbake the cake! A toothpick with moist crumbs is exactly what you want for a tender crumb.
Ensure your cherry jam is completely cool before folding it into the frosting to prevent melting.
For an extra decadent touch, consider using a dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips.

What’s the secret to perfect moist chocolate cherry cake?

The real magic lies in the oil-based batter and not overmixing! Using oil instead of butter for the cake itself guarantees an incredibly moist crumb. Plus, a gentle hand when combining ingredients is one of the most important chocolate cherry cake baking tips for a tender texture. For more baking insights, you can explore resources on baking techniques.

Can I make chocolate cherry cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them, well-wrapped, at room temperature. The frosting can also be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Just let them both come to room temperature before assembling. Learn more about our baking philosophy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with chocolate cherry cake?

A common pitfall is overmixing the batter, which leads to a tough cake. Also, be sure your cream cheese is cold for the frosting to achieve the right consistency. Lastly, never use cherry pie filling; stick to pitted cherries or a good quality jam. For ingredient sourcing, consider checking out local produce guides.

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cake

This beautiful creation is a treat on its own, but I love dressing it up a bit. For an extra special touch, consider serving a slice of this chocolate cherry cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream – the contrast in temperatures and flavors is wonderful. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of rich cherry chocolate cake with ganache takes it to a whole new level of decadence, complementing the cake’s deep chocolate and fruit notes perfectly. It’s also delicious simply dusted with a little powdered sugar or garnished with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation. You can find more presentation ideas here.

Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Cherry Cake

This moist chocolate cherry cake is a delightful treat. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (recipe makes 12 servings):

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 280mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on dietary guidelines, consult with a professional or visit a resource like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Cherry Cake

Properly storing this delightful chocolate cherry cake ensures it stays fresh and delicious for your next gathering. Once the cake has completely cooled, you’ll want to store it appropriately. For enjoying leftovers over a few days, place the cake in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. This makes it super convenient for having a slice ready whenever the craving strikes, perfect for a spontaneous treat or a planned chocolate cherry cake for occasions!

If you need to store it for longer, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place the entire cake in a freezer-safe container. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm slice, gently reheat individual pieces in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. Enjoy your perfectly preserved slice of heaven! For storage tips, check out our storage guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cherry Cake

What is chocolate cherry cake?

Chocolate cherry cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, deep flavors of chocolate with the sweet and slightly tart taste of cherries. It’s often a moist cake, either layered or bundt style, and can be enhanced with cherry fillings, chocolate frosting, or a ganache. This particular chocolate cherry cake recipe features a decadent chocolate cake base with a homemade cherry jam swirled into a tangy cream cheese frosting.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen for this chocolate cherry cake recipe?

Yes, absolutely! If you’re using fresh cherries, make sure to pit them first. You can use them directly in the cake batter or for the jam. Fresh cherries will give a slightly brighter flavor to your chocolate cherry cake. Just ensure they are ripe and sweet for the best results. For more information on fruit selection, visit our contact page.

What’s the best way to get a smooth frosting with cherry jam swirls?

The key is to ensure your cherry jam is completely cooled before gently folding it into the chilled frosting. Don’t overmix; you want distinct swirls rather than a uniformly pink frosting. Use a spatula to create gentle folds, leaving some white cream cheese visible for a beautiful marbled effect on your chocolate cherry cake.

How do I ensure my chocolate cherry cake is moist and not dry?

This chocolate cherry cake recipe is designed for moisture, thanks to the oil in the batter and the buttermilk. A critical tip is not to overbake it! Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. Overbaking is the biggest culprit for a dry cake, so keep a close eye on it during the final minutes. You can find more tips on our baking tips page.

Chocolate Cherry Cake Variations You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic recipe, why not explore some exciting variations? This chocolate cherry bundt cake is a fantastic option if you don’t want to deal with layers; simply bake it in a bundt pan for about 45-55 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. For an even richer flavor, try a dark chocolate cherry cake by using a higher quality cocoa powder and chopped dark chocolate in the batter. You could also experiment with vegan options by substituting plant-based milk, oil for butter in the frosting, and using a flax egg. Another idea is to add a shot of espresso to the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor even further, creating a truly divine experience. For more recipe ideas, visit our recipe variations page.