If you are craving a luscious dessert that truly combines the rich, deep flavor of chocolate with the bright, tart burst of cherries, then look no further than this Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe. It’s a sensational treat that balances moist, cocoa-infused cake layers with a luscious cherry filling and fluffy whipped cream topping. Every bite invites you to savor a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that feel both indulgent and refreshingly vibrant. Whether for a celebration or a cozy night in, this dessert will quickly become your new go-to for impressing loved ones and satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe keeps things simple with familiar pantry staples and fresh fruits that come together in a spectacular way. Each element plays a crucial role, from the flour and cocoa powder that create the tender cake base to the cherries that add juiciness and color, finishing with the creamy whipped topping for extra decadence.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups or 220 g): Provides structure and softness to the cake layers.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup or 75 g): Delivers that wonderfully rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups or 400 g): Sweetens the cake perfectly, balancing the cocoa’s bitterness.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the cake rise to a light, airy texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Enhances the leavening process and improves crumb tenderness.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Rounds out the flavors and intensifies the chocolate taste.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and add moisture and richness.
- Whole milk (1 cup or 240 ml): Adds creaminess and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup or 120 ml): Keeps the cake moist longer than butter.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Layers in sweet floral notes that complement chocolate beautifully.
- Boiling water (1 cup or 240 ml): Intensifies the cocoa flavor and makes the batter smooth.
- Fresh or frozen cherries, pitted (2 cups or 320 g) or canned cherry pie filling: The star fruit adding luscious bursts of flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup or 50 g) for fresh/frozen cherries: Sweetens the natural tartness of cherries perfectly.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Thickens the cherry filling to a jammy consistency.
- Water (1/4 cup or 60 ml): Used in making the cherry filling smooth and glossy.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups or 480 ml): Whipped to clouds of creamy topping.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup or 30 g): Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds subtle sweetness to the whipped cream.
- Chocolate shavings or curls: For decoration and a touch of extra chocolate joy.
- Fresh cherries: Garnishes that brighten the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter
Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures all the leavening agents and cocoa powder are evenly distributed for a flawless cake texture.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate these wet ingredients into your dry mix, stirring until the batter is smooth and without lumps. To enrich the chocolate flavor, carefully stir in the boiling water last — it may seem thin, but it creates an incredibly moist and tender crumb.
Step 3: Bake Your Chocolate Cake Layers
Pour your batter evenly into two prepared cake pans and bake in a preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pans and allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling. Cooling is essential so the cherry filling doesn’t melt your whipped cream topping later.
Step 4: Create the Cherry Filling
If you’re using fresh or frozen cherries, toss them with the quarter cup of granulated sugar and let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes to draw out their juices. In a saucepan, mix the cornstarch with water and add the cherries along with their juices. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens into a jammy consistency. If you’re using canned cherry pie filling, simply set it aside as it is ready to use.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for best results, then whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. This luscious whipped topping adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich chocolate and tart cherry layers.
Step 6: Assemble Your Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread the cherry filling evenly over the top. Add a generous layer of whipped cream, then carefully place the second cake layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream for a smooth finish.
Step 7: Add Gorgeous Garnishes
Finish by decorating your Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe with chocolate shavings or curls and a handful of fresh cherries on top. These small touches add both visual appeal and extra bursts of flavor.
How to Serve Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Adorn your dessert with glossy chocolate curls and fresh cherries for an elegant and festive look. Mint leaves can also add a fresh pop of green, heightening both the appearance and aroma.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce for indulgent pairings. Fresh berries on the side can add a natural tartness that complements the dessert wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, assemble smaller individual portions in pretty glasses or mason jars, layering cake, cherry filling, and whipped cream for a parfait-style treat. You can even toast some almond flakes atop for extra texture and nutty flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully after resting overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices wrapped securely in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight to maintain the dessert’s delicate texture and taste.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If preferred slightly warm, let it sit out for about 20 minutes; avoid using a microwave as it may affect the texture of the whipped cream and cake layers.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully and can be used directly from frozen when making the filling. Just be sure to thaw slightly and drain excess liquid if necessary.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free whipping cream alternatives. Keep in mind this might slightly change the texture but the delicious chocolate and cherry combination will remain.
How long does this cake last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, the cake stays fresh for up to three days. The flavors intensify over time, making day two possibly even better than day one!
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Using fresh cherries gives a fresher and less sweet cherry flavor. Be sure to cook them with sugar and cornstarch as directed to achieve that perfect filling consistency.
What chocolate is best for the shavings on top?
High-quality dark chocolate is the best choice for shavings, as it adds a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet and fruity cake. Use a vegetable peeler to create elegant curls from a chocolate bar.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making this Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and show-stopping. Its rich chocolate layers, luscious cherry filling, and creamy whipped topping come together in a way that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or treating yourself, this delightful cake will put a smile on everyone’s face and create beautiful memories around your table. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate & Cherry Delight is a moist, rich chocolate cake layered with a luscious cherry filling and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Perfect for celebrations or a special dessert treat, it combines the deep flavors of cocoa with the sweet tartness of cherries in a beautifully balanced dessert.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
Cherry Filling
- 2 cups (320 g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted (or 1 can cherry pie filling)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (if using fresh or frozen cherries)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Fresh cherries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and evenly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using a mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until smooth and well incorporated. Then carefully stir in the boiling water, which will thin the batter for a moist cake texture.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans on wire racks.
- Prepare Cherry Filling (if using fresh or frozen cherries): In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices, about 5 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then slowly add to the cherry mixture, stirring until it thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before assembling.
- Use Cherry Pie Filling (if using canned): If you’re using canned cherry pie filling, no heating is necessary—simply spoon it ready to use.
- Make Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will be used as the luscious topping for the cake.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread the prepared cherry filling evenly over the top. Add the second cake layer on top of the filling. Spread the whipped cream generously over the entire cake, smoothing it with a spatula.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate shavings or curls and fresh cherries for an elegant finish. Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing to let flavors meld and ensure clean slices.
Notes
- You can use fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, but fresh or frozen cherries require cooking with sugar and cornstarch to thicken the filling.
- Boiling water added to the batter helps create a moist and tender cake crumb.
- This recipe works well for celebrations as it serves 10 to 12 people.
- For best results, chill the assembled cake before serving.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
