Chocolate Cherry Cake

Name: Chocolate Cherry Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix; 1 can (15 oz) cherry pie filling; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon butter

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

October 2, 2025

Updated:

October 2, 2025

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This Chocolate Cherry Cake is a dessert lover’s dream! Combining rich chocolate with sweet cherries, this cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration. Its moist texture and delicious chocolate ganache make it a standout treat that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of chocolate and cherries creates a unique taste that delights the palate.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, you can create a stunning dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual family dinner, this cake fits right in.
Moist and Rich Texture: The cake stays moist thanks to the cherry pie filling, ensuring every bite is scrumptious.
Customizable Toppings: Add whipped cream or fresh cherries for an extra special touch.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Below are essential tools you’ll need to make your Chocolate Cherry Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Whisk or electric mixer
Baking pan (9×13-inch)
Spatula
Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine ingredients evenly without spills.
Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan is perfect for even baking and easy serving of your Chocolate Cherry Cake.
Spatula: This tool helps spread the batter smoothly in the pan and apply ganache evenly.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
1 can (15 oz) cherry pie filling
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water

For the Ganache

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon butter

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until well combined. The batter will be thick and slightly chunky due to the cherries, which will give the cake added texture.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Ganache

While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter until fully melted and smooth.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once cooled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top of your cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Chocolate Cherry Cake as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or some extra cherries on top for added garnish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cake

Chocolate Cherry Cake is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a slice yourself, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Serve with Whipped Cream

A light dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich chocolate and tart cherries.

Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream complements the flavors beautifully, providing a cool and refreshing balance to the warm cake.

Add Fresh Cherries

Garnishing with fresh cherries enhances the cherry flavor and adds a pop of color to your dessert presentation.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of extra chocolate sauce on top can take this cake to the next level of indulgence.

Serve with Coffee

A cup of coffee pairs wonderfully with this cake, enhancing the chocolate notes while providing a cozy vibe.

Top with Nuts

Chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can add an extra crunch and richness that contrasts nicely with the soft cake.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cake

To ensure your Chocolate Cherry Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined keeps your cake light and fluffy rather than dense.
Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the ganache from melting into the cake and keeps it looking beautiful.
Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for best flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Cake

Serving your Chocolate Cherry Cake can be enhanced by pairing it with complementary side dishes. Here are some tasty options.

Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese offers a savory balance to the sweet dessert.
Chocolate Mousse: For an extra chocolate kick, serve alongside a small cup of velvety chocolate mousse.
Nutella Dip: A small bowl of Nutella makes for an indulgent dip that pairs perfectly with fruit or cookies served alongside.
Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert adds elegance and complements the flavors well without overpowering them.
Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee enhance the chocolate notes in your cake, making it a perfect beverage choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this delicious Chocolate Cherry Cake, some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few to watch out for:

Not Prepping the Pan: Failing to grease and flour your baking pan can cause the cake to stick. Always ensure your pan is properly prepared before pouring in the batter.
Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until all ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs and other ingredients may not blend well, affecting the cake’s rise. Make sure your eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
Ignoring the Toothpick Test: Not checking for doneness with a toothpick can result in an undercooked or overcooked cake. Always test the center of the cake before removing it from the oven.
Skipping Cooling Time: Cutting into the cake too soon can make it fall apart. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Chocolate Cherry Cake in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cake

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cake

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: For a quick reheat, place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling in Chocolate Cherry Cake?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and chop them, then fold them into the batter for a fresh taste.

How moist is this Chocolate Cherry Cake?

This Chocolate Cherry Cake is incredibly moist due to the addition of cherry pie filling, which keeps it flavorful and rich.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch or even using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet ones for a richer flavor.

Can I make this Chocolate Cherry Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular chocolate cake mix with gluten-free chocolate cake mix for a delicious gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Cake is not only decadent but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just an afternoon treat, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or fillings! Give this easy recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!