chocolate cherry layer cake, a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, is more than just a dessert. It’s a nostalgic embrace, a reminder of cozy evenings and cherished celebrations. The rich chocolate, the sweet and tart cherries, and the delicate whipped cream create a harmonious trifecta that’s simply irresistible. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey as we bake this incredible chocolate cherry layer cake.
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This recipe is adapted from my grandmother’s famed Black Forest cake, lightened up and made even easier for the home baker. It’s a dessert that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m thrilled to share my updated version with you.
Why You Will Love This chocolate cherry layer cake Recipe
This chocolate cherry layer cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of moist chocolate cake, sweet and tangy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream frosting is a match made in heaven. It’s reminiscent of a classic black forest dessert but feels a little more approachable for everyday baking.
Beyond the taste, this cake is surprisingly easy to make. The recipe utilizes simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it achievable for bakers of all skill levels.
Moreover, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays and holidays to a simple weeknight treat. It is visually stunning and a definite showstopper! If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert, be sure to try out Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake too! Its layers of richness, flavor and texture will be sure to impress.
What truly sets this cake apart is its versatility. The recipe can be easily adapted to suit your personal preferences. Want a richer chocolate flavor? Use dark chocolate cocoa powder. Prefer a different type of fruit? Substitute the cherries with raspberries or blackberries. The possibilities are endless.
Ingredients Needed for This chocolate cherry layer cake Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this decadent chocolate cherry layer cake:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 (21 ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- ½ cup cherry juice or water, if needed
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Shaved chocolate, for garnish (optional)
How to Make This chocolate cherry layer cake Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create your own stunning chocolate cherry layer cake:
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9 inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined. Reduce speed and slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing until just combined. Batter will be thin.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting. While cakes are cooling prepare the whipped cream. In a large bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cherry pie filling over the cake. Top with a layer of whipped cream frosting.
- Continue layering remaining cake, cherry filling and whipped cream.
- Frost and Garnish; Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream frosting. If desired, garnish with shaved chocolate and cherries.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Serve This chocolate cherry layer cake Recipe
This chocolate cherry layer cake is best served chilled. Cut into slices and enjoy!
For an extra touch, serve each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You might also consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few fresh cherries on top.
Pair this cake with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a complete and satisfying dessert experience. If you’re looking for something a bit more decadent, a dessert wine like Port or Sherry would also be a great complement. Consider serving alongside Cookie Dough Layer Cake if you’re in the mood for another impressive dessert.
How to Store This chocolate cherry layer cake Recipe
To keep your chocolate cherry layer cake fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream frosting is best when enjoyed within this timeframe.
- Freezing: You can freeze individual slices of the cake for longer storage. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer safe bag or container. Frozen cake slices can be stored for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: If frozen, thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips to Make This chocolate cherry layer cake Recipe
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your chocolate cherry layer cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter. This will help the ingredients mix together more easily and create a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
- Properly Grease and Flour Your Pans: Adequate greasing and flouring of the cake pans will prevent the cakes from sticking and make it easier to remove them after baking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert the toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Helpful Notes for This chocolate cherry layer cake Recipe
- Cherry Pie Filling: Feel free to use your favorite brand of cherry pie filling. You can also make your own homemade cherry filling if desired.
- Cocoa Powder: I recommend using high quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. Dutch process cocoa powder will give you a richer, darker flavor.
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Variation of This chocolate cherry layer cake Recipe
There are many ways to customize this chocolate cherry layer cake to suit your taste preferences.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips to the cake batter for added chocolate flavor.
- Almond Extract: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter or whipped cream frosting to enhance the cherry flavor.
- Liquor Infused Cherries: Soak the cherries in kirsch or rum for an extra decadent twist. If you like a little mint with your chocolate, you’ve got to try Layered Mint Chocolate Dessert!
- Different Fruit: Substitute the cherries with raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
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What is a chocolate cherry layer cake?
A chocolate cherry layer cake, often referred to as Black Forest cake, is a multi-layered dessert featuring chocolate cake, cherries (typically soaked in Kirsch), and whipped cream. It’s a rich and decadent treat perfect for special occasions.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned for chocolate cherry layer cake?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used! Pit and halve them, then simmer them gently with a little sugar and Kirsch (optional) until softened. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference, considering the natural sweetness of the cherries.
How do I prevent my chocolate cherry layer cake from becoming soggy?
To avoid a soggy cake, ensure the cake layers are cooled completely before adding the whipped cream and cherry filling. Lightly brush the cake layers with melted chocolate to create a moisture barrier.
What is the best way to store leftover chocolate cherry layer cake?
Store leftover chocolate cherry layer cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days to maintain its freshness and prevent the whipped cream from becoming watery.
Conclusion
This chocolate cherry layer cake is a timeless classic that’s sure to impress. The rich chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream frosting create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake this incredible chocolate cherry layer cake. I promise, you won’t regret it! Enjoy baking and please do not hesitate to leave a comment with questions.
Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake: The Ultimate Black Forest Dessert
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A decadent chocolate cherry layer cake featuring moist chocolate cake layers, a sweet cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 (21 ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- ½ cup cherry juice or water, if needed
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Shaved chocolate, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9 inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Reduce speed and slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing until just combined. Batter will be thin.
- Divide batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of cherry pie filling over the cake.
- Top with a layer of whipped cream frosting.
- Repeat layering, then frost top and sides with remaining whipped cream.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings. Refrigerate before serving
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chocolate, cherry, cake, layer cake, dessert