Cherry-Chocolate Delight Cake

Cherry-Chocolate Delight Cake is a dessert that combines the rich taste of chocolate with the fresh sweetness of cherries. This cake is perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat at home. The layers of chocolate cake, cherry filling, and whipped cream create a delicious combination that’s hard to resist.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great choice because it not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful when served. The combination of chocolate and cherries makes it a fantastic dessert for parties, birthdays, or family gatherings. Plus, it’s a fun baking project that can be enjoyed by bakers of all skill levels.

How to Make Cherry-Chocolate Delight Cake

Ingredients:

1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
1 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
1⁄2 tsp salt
3⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1⁄4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 1⁄2 cups fresh or jarred cherries, pitted and halved
1⁄2 cup granulated sugar (for cherry filling)
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
2 cups heavy cream
1⁄2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
Shaved chocolate or chocolate chips (for garnish)
Extra cherries (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the sugar and stir well. In another bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until you have a smooth mixture.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin.
Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the cherry filling, combine cherries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cherries soften. If you want a thicker filling, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the cherry mixture, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
To make the whipped cream, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Once the cakes are cool, slice each cake in half to create 4 layers.
Place the first layer on a serving plate, spread with cherry filling and whipped cream. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Garnish with chocolate shavings and whole cherries. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

How to Serve Cherry-Chocolate Delight Cake

Serve the cake chilled for the best flavor. It’s great on its own, but you can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or an extra dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

How to Store Cherry-Chocolate Delight Cake

Store any leftover cake in a covered container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. If you have a whole cake, it’s best to cover it with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make Cherry-Chocolate Delight Cake

Make sure the eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing.
Do not skip the parchment paper, as it helps prevent sticking and makes removing the cakes easier.
You can adjust the sweetness of the cherry filling based on your taste. If you like it tart, use less sugar.

Variation

You can replace the cherries with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a different flavor. You can also add nuts to the cake batter for added texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just add the filling and whipped cream before serving.

3. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using in the recipe.

Enjoy baking and delighting your taste buds with this Cherry-Chocolate Delight Cake!