Chocolate Cherry Cake

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Sure! Here is a long, detailed recipe for Chocolate Cherry Cake, including its history, formation, ingredients, methods, instructions, conclusion, and even a bit about its lovers—those who cherish this rich dessert.

Chocolate Cherry Cake: A Lush and Timeless Dessert

Introduction

The Chocolate Cherry Cake is a classic and beloved dessert that combines the bittersweet richness of chocolate with the juicy tartness of cherries. This cake is more than just a sweet dish—it’s an experience, a romance of flavors. Popular in many cultures, especially in European and American kitchens, it’s known for its moist, decadent texture and layered complexity. It’s often reserved for special occasions—birthdays, anniversaries, or just moments when you need to impress or indulge.

Whether baked as a layered cake, a bundt, or even cupcakes, the combination of dark chocolate and ripe cherries never fails to enchant dessert lovers.

History and Formation

The roots of Chocolate Cherry Cake can be traced to the famous Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) from Germany. Traditionally made with layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream, cherries, and a splash of cherry schnapps, it evolved over time. Home bakers and chefs across the world started crafting their versions—some more casual, others luxurious. The American adaptation often includes cherry pie filling and rich chocolate cake batter, giving rise to the more rustic but incredibly moist version we know today.

Its formation comes from layering intense chocolate with the natural syrupiness of cherries, creating an alternating play of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
  • 1 cup (180g) chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
  • 1 can (21 oz or 595g) cherry pie filling (or 2 cups pitted sour cherries, fresh or frozen)

For the Cherry Filling (if making homemade):

  • 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3½ cups (450g) powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup (75g) cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Optional Toppings:

  • Whole cherries with stems (for garnish)
  • Shaved chocolate or chocolate curls
  • Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)

Method and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling (if not using canned)

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.
  2. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water and add to the cherry mixture.
  3. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.
  4. Gradually add boiling water while mixing on low speed. Batter will be thin—this is normal.
  5. Fold in chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.
  6. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and place on wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
  2. Sift in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix on low speed to combine.
  3. Add vanilla and cream; beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable. Add more cream if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
  2. Spread a layer of cherry filling on top.
  3. Pipe or spread a layer of frosting over the cherry layer.
  4. Place the second cake layer on top.
  5. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
  6. Decorate with whipped cream, whole cherries, and chocolate shavings as desired.

Lovers of the Chocolate Cherry Cake

The Chocolate Cherry Cake has a dedicated fan base—romantics, chocolate addicts, cherry enthusiasts, and anyone who finds joy in rich, elegant desserts. Some bakers even add a splash of Kirsch (cherry brandy) to elevate the flavor, while others keep it alcohol-free for a family-friendly version.

Its lovers include:

  • Wedding guests, enchanted by its beauty
  • Valentine’s Day couples, seduced by its decadence
  • Birthday celebrants, who crave bold flavors
  • Grandmothers, who pass on the recipe through generations

Conclusion

The Chocolate Cherry Cake is not just a dessert—it’s a celebration of contrast and harmony, a culinary poem where deep chocolate meets tart cherry in a perfect love story. Whether you’re baking it for a gathering or savoring it with a quiet cup of coffee, it’s sure to bring warmth, richness, and sweet satisfaction.

Bake it, share it, and most of all—love it.

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