Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out? This Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake is the perfect winter treat. It is rich, moist, and incredibly easy to make for your family. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy chocolate dream. You will love how simple it is to prepare tonight.
Winter is the best time for baking warm treats at home. The cold weather makes us crave something rich and chocolatey. This cake delivers comfort in every single bite. It is the ultimate dessert for a snowy afternoon. Your family will ask for seconds every time.
Why This Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake Is a Winner
This cake is a winner because it stays incredibly moist. The secret is the cherry pie filling inside the batter. It adds amazing texture and a hint of fruitiness. You get a perfect holiday dessert without any hard work. It is a great way to feed a hungry crowd.
You only need a few basic pantry staples for this recipe. It is a budget-friendly treat that looks very impressive. Even beginners can make this cake look professional. The combination of chocolate and cherry is a timeless classic. It is a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Simple Cooking Steps
The process is very straightforward for any home cook. You start by mixing your dry ingredients together. This ensures a smooth and even cake batter. Then, you add the wet ingredients and the hot coffee. The hot coffee is a magic ingredient for chocolate.
The batter will look thin, but do not worry. This thin consistency creates a light and tender crumb. Folding in the cherries adds the perfect weight. It is a fun step that kids can help with. You will feel like a pro baker in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch pan or two round pans.
- Sift flour, sugar, and cocoa into a large bowl.
- Add the baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix in eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the hot coffee by hand using a spatula.
- Gently fold in the cherry pie filling until even.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until done.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold cream melts into the dark chocolate beautifully. It is a romantic date night dessert for two. You can also top it with fresh whipped cream. Add a few extra cherries on top for color.
Set the table and light a cozy candle tonight. This cake is perfect for a slow Sunday evening. It also travels well for potlucks or holiday parties. Everyone will ask you for the recipe after one bite. It is truly a soul-warming treat.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in the fridge for four days. Keep the cake in an airtight container to stay fresh. You can also freeze individual slices for later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This makes for a quick weekday treat whenever you want.
Reheat a slice in the microwave for ten seconds. This brings back that fresh, gooey texture. It will taste just like fresh cake from the oven. You can even make the cake a day early. The flavors actually deepen and improve over time.
Recipe Tips for Best Results
- Use room temperature buttermilk for a smoother batter.
- Do not skip the hot coffee in this recipe.
- The coffee blooms the cocoa for a deeper flavor.
- Sift the dry ingredients to avoid any flour lumps.
- Be very gentle when folding in the cherry filling.
- Use a 9×13 pan for the easiest family serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful snowy look.
- Check the center with a toothpick to ensure doneness.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Use gluten-free flour for a diet-friendly option.
- Swap buttermilk for almond milk and a teaspoon of vinegar.
- Try raspberry pie filling for a delicious tart twist.
- Add a handful of chocolate chips for extra decadence.
- In summer, serve with fresh berries instead of ice cream.
Quick Answers
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake stays moist for several days. You can bake it the night before your event. Just keep it covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
Does the cake taste like coffee?
No, you will not taste the coffee at all. The hot liquid simply enhances the chocolate flavor. It makes the cocoa taste much richer and darker.
Will my kids like the cherry filling?
Most kids love the sweetness of the cherry filling. It softens during baking and blends into the cake. It creates a fun surprise in every bite.
I hope this cozy recipe brightens your winter evenings. Give it a try and let every chocolatey bite warm you up. Happy baking!
— Lidia
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all -purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sal t
- 1 cup buttermilk , room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large egg s
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes until well combined.
- Stir in the hot coffee by hand using a spatula; the batter will be thin in consistency.
- Gently fold in the cherry pie filling until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Transfer to a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely before slicing or applying frosting.
