Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe. Rich, moist chocolate layers are paired with a luscious cherry filling and finished with a silky dark chocolate ganache. Topped with maraschino cherries, this cake is a showstopper for any celebration or an indulgent treat for yourself.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice, left to sit for 5 minutes)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup hot water
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
For the Filling and Garnish:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- Incorporate hot water: Gradually pour in the hot water while mixing. The batter will be thin but glossy and well-combined.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly for easier spreading.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cherry pie filling on top, followed by a drizzle of ganache. Repeat with the remaining layers.
- Frost and garnish: Frost the entire cake with the remaining ganache, letting it drip down the sides for a rustic look. Decorate the top with maraschino cherries and any remaining cherry filling.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve this decadent treat with your favorite beverage!
Notes
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: The unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before assembling.
- Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version or sugar substitutes for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American