Cherry Chocolate Cake
Cherry Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with the tartness of fresh cherries. It’s the perfect treat for special occasions or a simple family gathering. With its moist texture and delicious layers, this cake is sure to be a hit!
Why make this recipe?
This Cherry Chocolate Cake not only tastes amazing, but it is also visually stunning. The deep chocolate color contrasts beautifully with the bright red cherries. It’s a fantastic way to impress your friends and family without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist the combination of chocolate and cherries? 🍒🍫
How to prepare Cherry Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 🍬
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 🥄
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda 🥄
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 cup whole milk 🥛
- ½ cup vegetable oil 🛢️
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 cup boiling water 💧
- 1 ½ cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved 🍒
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) ❄️
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
- Gently fold in the fresh cherries.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.
How to serve Cherry Chocolate Cake
Serve the Cherry Chocolate Cake slice on a plate, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also top it with extra cherries for a lovely finish! 🍦
How to store Cherry Chocolate Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Tips for preparing Cherry Chocolate Cake
- Make sure to pit the cherries thoroughly to avoid any unpleasant surprises while eating.
- For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate cocoa powder.
- Don’t overmix once you add the boiling water, as this could make the cake dense.
Variations
- If fresh cherries are out of season, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
- For a different twist, add a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake layers for added richness.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake the cake a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Absolutely! You can substitute cherries with raspberries or even strawberries for a fruity twist.
3. Why is my cake dense?
A dense cake can be caused by overmixing the batter or not using enough leavening agent. Make sure to follow the measurements and instructions carefully!
Enjoy your delicious Cherry Chocolate Cake! 🍰🍒