Cherry Chocolate Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Chocolate Cake is a delightful fusion of two favorite flavors – cherries and chocolate. The juicy cherries add a burst of freshness, perfectly complementing the rich, gooey chocolate chips that melt into the cake. The cake itself is soft, moist, and wonderfully aromatic thanks to the vanilla extract. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations!

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted cherries
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
   • Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and pitted cherries into the batter. Make sure they’re evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
   • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (a few crumbs are fine, but no wet batter).
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once cooled, slice and serve the Cherry Chocolate Cake. It can be enjoyed as-is or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Total time: 45-50 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

• Chocolate Ganache: Top the cake with a rich chocolate ganache for extra chocolate flavor.
• Add nuts: For some crunch, you can add chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter.
• Use different berries: Swap the cherries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen cherries work well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

You can substitute dark chocolate, but keep in mind that dark chocolate has a more intense flavor, which may affect the overall taste of the cake.

How can I make this cake more chocolatey?

For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter or increase the amount of chocolate chips.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake stores well and can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container.

Can I frost the cake?

Absolutely! A simple buttercream or whipped cream would pair perfectly with this cake, but it’s delicious on its own too.

Can I add more cherries?

You can certainly add more cherries if you prefer, but be careful not to add too many as it might affect the texture of the cake. Adding about 1 ½ cups is a good balance.

What kind of flour should I use?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. If you want to make it gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I make mini versions of this cake?

Yes! You can bake individual cakes in muffin tins or small cake pans. Adjust the baking time to 15-20 minutes depending on the size.

Can I use plant-based milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk.

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

You can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or use an egg replacer, but the texture and rise of the cake might vary slightly.

Conclusion

This Cherry Chocolate Cake is a perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and fresh fruit. With its moist texture, luscious chocolate chips, and burst of cherries, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as the centerpiece of a celebration, this cake will not disappoint!

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