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Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

This Cherry Chocolate Cake is a decadent homemade dessert combining rich, moist chocolate layers with a sweet and tangy cherry filling, all topped with a silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for chocolate lovers looking to impress with a classic yet unforgettable treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup hot water or hot coffee (to enhance the chocolate flavor)

For the Cherry Filling:

  • 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for shine)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk (or milk with vinegar), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Blend Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture slowly into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gradually add the hot water or hot coffee, stirring carefully until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, which is normal for a moist cake.
  5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake on the middle rack in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. Make the Cherry Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
  7. Make the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and let it sit for one minute. Stir gently until smooth and glossy, then whisk in the tablespoon of butter for extra shine. Let cool until the ganache thickens slightly but is still pourable.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread the cooled cherry filling evenly over the surface. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Pour the slightly thickened chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for an elegant finish.
  9. Decorate and Chill: Garnish with extra cherries or chocolate shavings as desired. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the ganache and enhance the texture.

Notes

  • For an enhanced chocolate flavor, use hot coffee instead of water in the batter.
  • Ensure the cakes are completely cool before assembling to prevent the cherry filling and ganache from melting.
  • Use fresh or frozen cherries for the filling; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
  • The cake is best served chilled but can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving.
  • This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cherry Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Cake, Cherry Filling, Chocolate Ganache, Homemade Dessert, Baking Recipe, Chocolate Lovers, Sweet Treat

Find it online: https://maicook.com/cherry-chocolate-cake-recipe/