Cherry Chocolate Cake
Few desserts can compete with the rich, indulgent charm of 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒. This stunning cake brings together deep, velvety chocolate layers, a luscious homemade cherry filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache that drips beautifully down the sides. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, slight tartness, and intense cocoa flavor, making it ideal for celebrations, holidays, or whenever you want to impress without stress.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, a dinner party, or simply because you love chocolate and cherries together, 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒 is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. The texture is incredibly moist, the flavors are bold yet balanced, and the presentation looks bakery-level even though it’s made right at home.
This recipe is designed for success—even if you’re not an expert baker. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are accessible, and the result tastes like something from a high-end patisserie. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the ultimate 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒 lies in the thoughtful balance of ingredients and techniques that guarantee a moist, flavorful, and visually stunning dessert every time.
First, the cocoa-based cake uses both baking powder and baking soda, ensuring a light yet sturdy crumb. The addition of buttermilk adds tenderness and a subtle tang that enhances the chocolate flavor. Hot water or coffee blooms the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate notes and creating a richer taste.
Second, the cherry filling is cooked just enough to thicken while keeping the cherries juicy and vibrant. The lemon juice enhances the natural cherry flavor without overpowering the dessert. This contrast between sweet chocolate and slightly tart cherries is what makes 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒 unforgettable.
Finally, the chocolate ganache ties everything together. Warm cream melts the chocolate into a silky glaze, while butter adds shine and smoothness. When poured over the cake, it creates a professional finish that looks as good as it tastes.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To make 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒, you’ll need three main components: the chocolate cake, the cherry filling, and the chocolate ganache.
For the Chocolate 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 milk + vinegar)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup hot water or hot coffee
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
These simple ingredients work together beautifully to create the signature flavor and texture of 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒.
How To Make This Recipe
Making 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒 is easier than it looks. Follow these steps carefully for perfect results.
Step 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 easy release.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is evenly combined to avoid lumps.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently. Add the hot water or coffee gradually. The batter will be thin—this is exactly what you want for a moist 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Cherry Filling
In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before assembling.
Step 7: Make the Ganache
Heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth, then whisk in the butter. Let it cool slightly.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the cherry filling evenly on top. Add the second cake layer, then pour the ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
To make your 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒 absolutely perfect, keep these tips in mind:
Use room-temperature eggs for better mixing
Do not overmix the batter—this keeps the cake tender
Coffee enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee
Cool cake layers completely before assembling
Chill the cake for cleaner slices
For an extra luxurious version, add a thin layer of whipped cream between the cake and cherry filling.
How to Serve
🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒 is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. Chilling helps the ganache set, while room temperature enhances flavor. Slice with a warm knife for clean, professional cuts.
This cake pairs beautifully with coffee, espresso, or a glass of cold milk.
Serving Suggestions
Make 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒 even more special with these serving ideas:
Top slices with whipped cream
Add fresh cherries on the plate
Dust with powdered sugar
Serve with vanilla ice cream
Drizzle extra cherry sauce
Each option enhances the flavor and presentation.
Time & Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10–12 slices
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, elegant, and surprisingly easy, 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒 is the answer. With its moist chocolate layers, fruity cherry filling, and silky ganache topping, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Once you make 🍒🍫 Cherry Chocolate Cake 🍫🍒, it won’t just be a dessert—it’ll become a favorite tradition.