If you’re looking for a fast and delicious dessert, this chocolate cherry cake recipe is just what you need. It’s incredibly moist, full of rich chocolate flavor, and has the perfect touch of cherry sweetness. With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a bakery-worthy cake ready in under an hour. In this guide, you’ll get a step-by-step recipe, tips to customize it, serving ideas, and answers to common baking questions.
Contents
- 1 Introduction to Chocolate Cherry Cake
- 2 Key Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe
- 3 Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe
- 4 Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Cherry Cake
- 5 Making the Decadent Chocolate Glaze
- 6 Tips for Enhancing Your Chocolate Cherry Cake
- 7 Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- 8 Storing and Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cake
- 9 Conclusion: Make This Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe Your Go-To Treat
Introduction to Chocolate Cherry Cake
Why Chocolate and Cherries Work So Well Together
Chocolate and cherries are a classic combo. The sweetness and slight tartness of cherries balance out the deep flavor of chocolate, making every bite taste rich but not too heavy. This pairing gives your cake a bold yet fruity flavor that’s hard to resist.
Why This Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe Is So Popular
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. You only need a boxed cake mix, cherry pie filling, and a few common ingredients. It’s a no-fail option that always turns out moist and flavorful. Plus, it’s versatile — perfect for casual dinners, birthdays, or holidays.
Key Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe
Simple Pantry Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this chocolate cherry cake recipe is how little effort it takes to gather the ingredients. You might already have most of them in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix: This is your base. Use any standard-size box of chocolate cake mix. Devil’s food or dark chocolate varieties work especially well for extra richness.
- 1 can cherry pie filling: This adds moisture, texture, and bursts of sweet-tart cherry flavor in every slice.
- 2 eggs: They bind everything together and help the Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe rise properly.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract: Almond extract gives the cake a distinct cherry-almond bakery flavor, while vanilla is a milder, classic choice.
These ingredients come together to create a moist, flavorful cake with very little prep work.
Choosing Between Almond and Vanilla Extract for Flavor
Your choice between almond extract and vanilla extract makes a difference. Almond pairs perfectly with cherries, intensifying their flavor and giving the cake a signature bakery-style finish. If you prefer something more subtle, vanilla works just as well and adds a warm, comforting taste.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Extract Type | Flavor Profile | Pairs Best With |
|---|---|---|
| Almond Extract | Strong, sweet, nutty | Cherries, chocolate, nuts |
| Vanilla Extract | Soft, floral, buttery | Chocolate, cream, berries |
Want to customize the taste further? You can also blend both extracts — half a teaspoon of each — for a more complex flavor.
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Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, moist chocolate cherry cake made with cake mix, cherry pie filling, and topped with a warm chocolate glaze. Easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Cake:
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 can cherry pie filling
2 eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
Glaze:
5 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/3 cup milk
1 cup sugar
1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, eggs, and extract until smooth.
3. Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Pour batter into pan and spread evenly.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. While the cake is still warm, prepare the glaze.
6. In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and butter. Heat over medium until melted. Bring to a boil for 1 minute.
7. Remove from heat, stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
8. Pour the glaze over the warm cake and spread evenly.
9. Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can add extra cherry pie filling or chocolate chips for more intense flavor.
Best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Cherry Cake
Preparing the Cake Batter the Right Way
Making this chocolate cherry cake recipe is as simple as mixing, baking, and glazing. Here’s how to get started.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the start.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
Use a spatula or hand mixer to stir until the batter is well-blended. It’s okay if a few lumps remain, but aim for a smooth consistency.
- Prepare your pan: Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This keeps the Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe from sticking.
- Pour and spread: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly to the corners.
Baking Instructions for Perfect Texture
- Bake the cake: Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
- Let it rest slightly: Once done, take the cake out of the oven but keep it in the pan. This is the ideal time to prepare your glaze, as it should be poured over a warm cake for the best absorption.
Pro Tip: Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cherries and dull the chocolate flavor. Always check around the 25-minute mark.
Making the Decadent Chocolate Glaze
How to Make a Smooth and Glossy Glaze
This rich, chocolatey glaze is what takes the chocolate cherry cake recipe from great to unforgettable. It’s velvety, glossy, and sets beautifully over the warm cake. Here’s how to make it the right way:
Ingredients for the glaze:
- 5 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Melt the base: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, milk, and sugar. Place it over medium heat and stir continuously until the butter and sugar melt completely.
- Boil briefly: Once melted, bring the mixture to a light boil. Let it boil for exactly 1 minute — no longer — or it may thicken too much before pouring.
- Remove from heat and add chocolate chips: Immediately stir in the chocolate chips. The heat from the boiled mixture will melt them quickly. Stir until the glaze is completely smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the cake: While the cake is still warm in the pan, pour the glaze over the top. Use a spatula to gently spread it to the edges so it covers the surface evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing the Glaze
- Skipping the boil: Boiling the glaze for 1 minute helps achieve a fudge-like texture that sets beautifully.
- Overheating the chocolate chips: If you add the chips while the pan is still on the burner, they may burn. Always remove from heat first.
- Pouring over a cooled cake: The glaze spreads and sets better on a warm surface, allowing it to slightly soak in and stick perfectly.
Once the glaze is on, let the cake cool fully before cutting. This gives the topping time to firm up for cleaner slices and a better presentation.
Tips for Enhancing Your Chocolate Cherry Cake
Adding More Cherry Filling or Chocolate Chips
This chocolate cherry cake recipe is already flavorful as-is, but if you want to take it up a notch, there are easy ways to do it:
- Extra cherry pie filling: Drop spoonfuls of additional cherry pie filling across the top of the Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe before baking. This creates sweet, fruity pockets throughout the cake.
- More chocolate chips: Stir a handful of chocolate chips directly into the batter for extra bursts of melty chocolate. You can also sprinkle them on top of the warm glaze for texture and shine.
Not only do these additions make the cake richer, they also boost its visual appeal.
Creative Topping Ideas That Complement the Flavors
While the glaze alone is indulgent, a few extra toppings can elevate the experience even more:
| Topping Idea | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Whipped cream | Adds a light, airy texture contrast |
| Shaved dark chocolate | Enhances chocolate richness and presentation |
| Sliced almonds | Provides a satisfying crunch with nutty notes |
| Maraschino cherries | Brings out the cherry flavor with a pop of color |
| Chocolate curls | Perfect for a decorative, bakery-style finish |
Tip: Let the cake cool completely before adding cold or delicate toppings like whipped cream or fruit so they hold their shape.
Want something even more decadent? Spread a thin layer of cherry preserves under the glaze for a surprise fruity layer.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cake
A rich and moist chocolate cherry cake recipe like this deserves to be served right. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert or the star of your holiday table, here are some favorite ways to present it:
- Serve warm for extra indulgence: Slightly reheating individual slices makes the chocolate glaze melty and the cherries even more flavorful.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream: This balances the richness with a cool, creamy texture.
- Top with a cherry: Placing a single cherry on each slice gives it a polished, bakery-like finish.
For a more elegant touch, serve the Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe on a white dessert plate with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a few chocolate shavings on the side.
Occasions Where This Cake Shines
This cake is extremely versatile, making it a crowd-pleaser at all kinds of events:
| Occasion | Why It Fits |
|---|---|
| Family dinners | Easy to make ahead, always a hit with kids and adults |
| Holiday gatherings | The rich flavor feels festive without being over the top |
| Potlucks | Travels well in its pan and doesn’t require refrigeration |
| Birthdays | Add sprinkles or a message on top for a custom touch |
Thanks to its bold flavor and simple prep, this chocolate cherry cake recipe often becomes a go-to for hosts who want something fast, delicious, and reliable.
Storing and Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cake
How to Keep It Moist and Fresh for Days
This chocolate cherry cake recipe not only tastes great fresh out of the oven but also stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it moist and flavorful for days:
- Room temperature: If you plan to eat it within 2 days, simply cover the cake pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it on the counter. Make sure it’s in a cool, dry place.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The glaze firms up more in the fridge, but the flavor remains rich and delicious.
- Keep it covered: Exposure to air can dry out the cake. Always use tight seals or lids to preserve texture and taste.
Freezing and Thawing Instructions
Need to make the cake ahead or save leftovers? Freezing works well, even with the glaze.
- Let the cake cool completely before freezing.
- Slice into individual servings for easier thawing.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To thaw: Leave slices at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. For quicker results, microwave each slice for about 15–20 seconds on low power. This keeps the cake moist and warms the glaze just enough to soften.
Pro Tip: Avoid freezing the entire cake uncut, as thawing the whole block can cause texture loss or soggy spots.
Conclusion: Make This Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe Your Go-To Treat
This chocolate cherry cake recipe proves that delicious desserts don’t need to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples, a can of cherry pie filling, and a rich chocolate glaze, you can create a bakery-style treat in under an hour. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a potluck, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
It’s easy to customize, stores well, and delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Add your favorite toppings, try different extracts, or play with fillings — this recipe is flexible enough for endless variations.
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