There’s an undeniable charm to fresh cherry chocolate cake that makes it feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of moist chocolate cake, where juicy cherries burst forth, mingling with the rich cocoa flavor. It’s a dessert that promises to take your taste buds on a delightful adventure, each bite offering an explosion of sweetness and tartness. This isn’t just cake; it’s an experience!
I remember the first time I attempted this masterpiece in my tiny kitchen, flour dust swirling in the air like confetti at a celebration. It was for a friend’s birthday, and as I whipped up the batter, I could almost hear the cake whispering sweet nothings about how it would steal the show. Moist carrot cupcakes Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any day you want to treat yourself (which is basically every day), this fresh cherry chocolate cake recipe is bound to become your new favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The fresh cherries create a juicy surprise in every bite of decadent chocolate cake.
- It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect even for novice bakers.
- This stunning dessert will wow guests with its vibrant colors and inviting aroma.
- Enjoy it as a dessert or pair it with coffee for an afternoon treat!
Ingredients for Fresh cherry chocolate cake recipe
For more inspiration, check out this strawberry cheesecake cookies recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for best results—this forms the base of your delicious cake.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives that deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed can also work well.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up! Adjust according to your sweetness preference but don’t skimp too much.
- Fresh Cherries: Pitted and halved cherries add juiciness and a beautiful pop of color—grab those summer beauties!
- Baking Powder: Ensure your cake rises beautifully—check expiration dates for best results!
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature; they help bind everything together perfectly.
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness; almond or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
- Butter: Melted unsalted butter keeps your cake rich and moist—don’t even think about using margarine here!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash brings out all those lovely flavors—pure extract is worth the investment!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Fresh cherry chocolate cake recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans so that your glorious creation won’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and granulated sugar until evenly combined. This is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some extra vanilla because why not?
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gradually while mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want that cake light and fluffy!
Step 5: Add Cherries
Gently fold in those luscious halved cherries into the batter. Try not to eat them all before they hit the pan—they’re just too tempting!
Step 6: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool before transferring them onto racks.
Once cooled completely, layer them up with frosting or enjoy them plain! Transfer slices onto plates and serve with whipped cream or extra cherries if you’re feeling indulgent.
This fresh cherry chocolate cake recipe will surely be a hit at any gathering or simply as a weekday treat when you need something sweet to brighten your day! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
You Must Know
- This delightful fresh cherry chocolate cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors.
- The rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the tart cherries, creating a heavenly treat that will impress your guests and have them begging for the recipe.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, pit and chop those luscious cherries. Next, combine your dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another before folding in the cherries. Bake until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with this fresh cherry chocolate cake recipe! Substitute dark chocolate for milk chocolate, or use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist. You can even add chopped nuts or a swirl of cream cheese for extra flair!
Storing & Reheating
To maintain freshness, store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh cherries for the best flavor; frozen ones can make the batter too watery.
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense cake.
- Lastly, let the cake cool completely before frosting for easier handling and better presentation.
I remember the first time I made this fresh cherry chocolate cake recipe for my family gathering. My cousin took one bite and declared it life-changing! It was such a hit that I ended up sharing the recipe with everyone there!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for the fresh cherry chocolate cake recipe?
To make the fresh cherry chocolate cake, gather essential ingredients like all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, fresh cherries, eggs, sugar, butter, baking powder, and vanilla extract. These ingredients come together to create a rich chocolate base infused with juicy cherries. Using high-quality cocoa powder and fresh cherries is crucial for achieving the best flavor in your cake. Ensure you have everything on hand before beginning the baking process to enjoy a seamless experience.
How long does it take to bake the fresh cherry chocolate cake?
The baking time for the fresh cherry chocolate cake is typically around 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, it’s essential to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, your cake is ready. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking. Adjusting baking times may be necessary based on your oven’s individual characteristics.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries in your fresh cherry chocolate cake recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. This adjustment will help maintain the right consistency of the cake and prevent it from becoming too soggy. Ricotta cherry French toast Frozen cherries can still provide excellent flavor and moisture, making them a convenient alternative when fresh ones are out of season.
How should I store leftover cherry chocolate cake?
To store leftover cherry chocolate cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. This method will keep the cake fresh for up to three days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. If you want to extend its shelf life further, consider freezing individual slices. Simply wrap each slice well and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months while preserving flavor and texture.
Conclusion for Fresh Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe:
In summary, this fresh cherry chocolate cake recipe combines rich flavors of chocolate with juicy cherries for a delightful dessert experience. By following the easy steps and using high-quality ingredients, you’ll create a moist and flavorful cake that impresses everyone. Chocolate dipped pretzels Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your collection. Enjoy every bite of this delicious treat! For more inspiration, check out this dark chocolate truffles recipe recipe.
Fresh Cherry Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and juicy cherries with this Fresh Cherry Chocolate Cake. Each slice reveals a moist chocolate base bursting with sweet-tart cherry surprises, making it the perfect treat for birthdays, picnics, or simply an afternoon pick-me-up. This easy-to-follow recipe is suitable for bakers of all skill levels and promises to impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and inviting aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine wet ingredients into dry ingredients while mixing gently to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the cherries carefully until just incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting or serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Substitute dark chocolate for a richer flavor or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. For an indulgent twist, serve slices with whipped cream or additional cherries on top.
