Chocolate and Cherry Dream Cake

Chocolate and Cherry Dream Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with sweet cherries and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze or whipped cream. The combination of deep chocolate flavor and juicy cherries makes this cake a dream dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Moist – The perfect balance of chocolate decadence and fruitiness.
• Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients for a hassle-free dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for celebrations or just because!
• Customizable – Add different toppings or fillings for a unique twist.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Eggs
• Whole milk or buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Hot water or brewed coffee (for enhanced chocolate flavor)

For the Cherry Filling:

• Fresh or canned cherries (pitted)
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice

For the Chocolate Glaze or Frosting:

• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Powdered sugar (if making buttercream)

Directions

Make the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Incorporate Hot Water – Slowly add hot water or coffee, stirring until smooth. The batter will be thin.
5. Bake – Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Cool – Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cherry Filling:

1. Cook the Cherries – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until the cherries release their juices.
2. Thicken the Sauce – Mix cornstarch with a little water and add to the cherry mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Let cool.

Make the Chocolate Glaze or Frosting:

1. For a Glaze – Melt chocolate with heavy cream and butter over low heat, stirring until smooth.
2. For a Frosting – Beat melted chocolate with powdered sugar and softened butter until creamy.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Layer the Cake – Place one cake layer on a plate, spread cherry filling evenly on top.
2. Top with Second Layer – Add the second cake layer and press gently.
3. Glaze or Frost – Pour the chocolate glaze over the cake or spread with frosting.
4. Decorate – Garnish with extra cherries, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Black Forest Style – Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry filling.
• Extra Moist Cake – Brush cake layers with cherry syrup before assembling.
• Nutty Addition – Sprinkle chopped almonds or hazelnuts for crunch.
• White Chocolate Version – Use white chocolate ganache for a twist.
• Cupcake Option – Make as cupcakes with cherry filling centers.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Wrap the unfrosted cake layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before assembling.
• Room Temperature – Let sit for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use cherry pie filling instead of homemade cherry filling?

Yes! Canned cherry pie filling works as a quick alternative.

Why is my cake too dry?

Overbaking can dry out the cake. Check for doneness at 30 minutes.

Can I use a different fruit?

Yes! Try raspberries or strawberries for a fruity variation.

How do I get my chocolate glaze smooth?

Stir constantly while melting, and let it cool slightly before pouring.

What’s the best chocolate for this cake?

Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the richest flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble a day in advance and refrigerate for enhanced flavor.

Can I make this as a sheet cake?

Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 35-40 minutes.

Do I have to use coffee in the cake batter?

No, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease and flour the pans, or use parchment paper for easy release.

Can I serve this warm?

Yes! Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Chocolate and Cherry Dream Cake is the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, creating an irresistible dessert for any celebration. Whether you enjoy it with a drizzle of glaze or creamy frosting, this dreamy cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and indulge in every delicious bite!

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This decadent chocolate cake is layered with juicy cherries and rich chocolate ganache for the ultimate dessert experience.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup hot coffee

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans.
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix well.
• Stir in hot coffee until smooth.
• Pour batter into cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
• Let cakes cool completely.
• Heat heavy cream and pour over chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
• Assemble cake by spreading cherry filling between the layers.
• Pour ganache over the cake and let it set.

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Notes

Garnish with fresh cherries for an elegant touch.