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
Scale
- 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
For the chocolate buttercream
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup (43 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 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.
- Make the chocolate buttercream: beat the softened butter for 3 to 4 minutes until pale. Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder together and add a cup at a time on low speed, then the milk and vanilla. Beat 2 minutes more, adding a splash more milk if it is too stiff. Frost only once the bake has cooled completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 741
- Sugar: 79g
- Sodium: 253mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.8g
- Carbohydrates: 102g
- Fiber: 4.4g
- Protein: 6.6g
- Cholesterol: 99mg
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.