Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels bakery-special but takes almost no effort, Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake is about to become your new favorite. Rich chocolate, sweet cherry filling, and a soft, moist crumb come together in a way that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — even though it’s incredibly simple to make.
What makes Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake so magical is the combination of convenience and flavor. With just a few pantry staples and a boxed cake mix, you can create a decadent dessert that tastes homemade and indulgent. The cherry pie filling melts into the batter as it bakes, creating pockets of fruity sweetness throughout the chocolate cake.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday dessert table, a potluck, or just a weeknight treat, Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake delivers every single time. It’s reliable, impressive, and wonderfully foolproof — even for beginner bakers.
Why This Recipe Works
There’s a reason Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake has become such a beloved shortcut dessert. Every ingredient plays a strategic role in creating a perfectly balanced cake.
First, the boxed chocolate cake mix provides structure, cocoa flavor, and consistent results. It eliminates the need to measure flour, cocoa powder, and leavening agents separately. This ensures a tender crumb every time.
Second, the cherry pie filling does more than add flavor — it adds moisture. As the cake bakes, the cherries soften further and distribute their syrupy sweetness throughout the batter. This creates an ultra-moist texture without needing extra oil or complicated mixing techniques.
The almond extract enhances both the chocolate and cherry flavors. Almond and cherry naturally complement each other, giving Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake a subtle bakery-style depth that tastes far more sophisticated than its ingredient list suggests.
Finally, the optional homemade chocolate frosting adds a glossy, rich finish. Made with sugar, butter, milk, and bittersweet chocolate chips, it creates a smooth, fudgy layer that transforms the cake from simple to stunning.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
One of the best things about Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake is how short and accessible the ingredient list is.
For the Cake:
1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
2 eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
Whipped cream or Cool Whip (optional topping)
For the Optional Frosting:
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup milk
5 tablespoons butter
1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
You’ll also need:
A large mixing bowl
A wooden spoon or spatula
A 9×13-inch baking pan
A small saucepan (for frosting)
That’s it — no electric mixer required. Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake is mixed entirely by hand, which makes cleanup just as easy as preparation.
How To Make Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake
Making Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake is refreshingly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine:
Chocolate cake mix
Cherry pie filling
2 eggs
Almond extract
Stir everything together by hand until well blended. The batter will be thick and slightly chunky from the cherries — that’s exactly what you want.
Step 3: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The aroma while Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake bakes is incredible — deep chocolate with sweet cherry notes.
Step 4: Make the Frosting (Optional)
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, milk, and butter. Bring to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in bittersweet chocolate chips until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Frost and Cool
Pour the warm frosting over the baked cake, spreading gently if needed. Allow the cake to cool for at least 90 minutes before slicing.
Cooling is important because it allows Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake to fully set, making clean slices easier.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
To make sure your Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake turns out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
1. Don’t Overmix
Stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake slightly dense.
2. Use Good Chocolate Chips
If making the frosting, choose quality bittersweet chocolate chips. They balance the sweetness of the cherry filling beautifully.
3. Let It Cool Completely
Cutting too early may cause the frosting to slide. Patience pays off.
4. Customize It
You can add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness or sprinkle chopped almonds on top for texture.
5. Storage Tips
Store Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake in an airtight container:
Room temperature: up to 3 days
Refrigerator: up to 1 week
The flavor actually deepens slightly the next day!
How To Serve Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake
This cake is incredibly versatile. Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake can be served warm, at room temperature, or slightly chilled.
For a classic presentation, slice into squares and top with:
A dollop of whipped cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Fresh cherries for garnish
A light dusting of powdered sugar
The rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavors pair beautifully with creamy toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Because Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake is rich and moist, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides and beverages.
Try serving it with:
Freshly brewed coffee
Espresso or cappuccino
Cold milk
Hot chocolate
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
For holidays like Valentine’s Day or Christmas, you can decorate the top with chocolate shavings or maraschino cherries for a festive look.
If serving at a party, cut into smaller squares for easy finger-friendly portions. Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake travels well, making it ideal for potlucks and gatherings.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours
Yield: 12–15 servings
Because the prep is so quick, Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake is perfect for last-minute dessert needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about chocolate and cherries together. Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake captures that classic flavor combination in the simplest way possible. It’s moist, rich, fruity, and beautifully chocolatey without requiring advanced baking skills.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake guarantees delicious results. The minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and impressive flavor make it a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Once you try Easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request from friends and family. It’s proof that sometimes the easiest recipes are truly the best.