Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake: A Decadent Dessert Delight
If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts, chocolate covered cherry cake is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. This rich, moist cake, combined with the burst of juicy cherries and a decadent layer of chocolate, is a show-stopping dessert that will impress any guest. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to treat yourself, this cake is sure to hit the spot.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple yet irresistible recipe for chocolate covered cherry cake, share some advanced baking techniques, and offer tips for customization. We’ll also answer some common questions and provide storage and serving suggestions to ensure your cake stays fresh and delicious.
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Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Creating a chocolate covered cherry cake at home is easier than it sounds. With just a few ingredients, you can prepare this cake in no time, and the results are absolutely worth it.
Ingredients:
- For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk if unavailable)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the maraschino cherries)
- For the chocolate ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional for extra gloss)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate the Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the cherry juice, ensuring that the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Stir until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. If you prefer a glossier finish, stir in the butter.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer of the cake on a serving platter. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache on top, and then place the second cake layer on top. Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the ganache set for a few minutes before slicing the cake. This chocolate covered cherry cake is best served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Advanced Techniques for Perfecting Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake
While the basic recipe is straightforward, there are a few advanced tips and techniques you can use to make this cake even more impressive and delicious.
Use Fresh Cherries for a Juicier Cake
If you’re looking for a more natural cherry flavor, you can substitute fresh cherries for the maraschino cherries. Pit and chop the cherries, then toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the cake while baking.
Make the Cake Layers Even and Moist
To ensure your cake layers bake evenly, you can weigh your cake pans before filling them with batter to ensure they’re identical. Also, to keep your cake layers moist, add a bit of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. This will add moisture and richness to the cake.
Add a Cherry Filling or Jam
For an extra burst of cherry flavor, consider spreading a layer of cherry jam or cherry filling between the cake layers. This adds sweetness and enhances the overall cherry flavor of the cake.
Infuse the Ganache with Liqueur
For an adult twist on the traditional chocolate ganache, try infusing the ganache with a splash of cherry liqueur, such as Cherry Heering or Kirsch. The liqueur adds depth to the chocolate flavor and complements the cherries perfectly.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Proper storage is essential to keeping your chocolate covered cherry cake fresh and delicious.
How to Store the Cake:
To store leftover cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week, but note that refrigeration may cause the cake to dry out slightly.
Freezing Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake:
If you want to freeze the cake, it’s best to freeze the layers separately without the ganache to maintain their texture. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the cake layers in the refrigerator overnight, and then reassemble and frost with fresh ganache.
Refreshing Leftovers:
If your cake becomes a bit dry after storing, you can refresh it by warming individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back some of the cake’s moistness and make it taste fresh again.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
If you have specific dietary requirements or are looking for ways to adjust the recipe, here are a few substitutions:
Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a high-quality blend that is designed for cakes, and consider adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with texture.
Dairy-Free Version
To make the cake dairy-free, replace the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. You can also swap the butter in the ganache for coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine.
Vegan Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake
For a vegan version of this cake, replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Use a dairy-free milk and oil instead of buttermilk and vegetable oil, and opt for a dairy-free chocolate for the ganache.
FAQs About Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re making it for a special occasion, consider freezing the layers ahead of time and assembling them the day before serving.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries if fresh cherries are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain the cherries well before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
How do I get the ganache to set perfectly?
For a smooth, glossy finish, let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. If it sets too quickly or hardens too much, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it reaches the desired consistency.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Chocolate covered cherry cake is a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweet, tangy flavor of cherries, creating a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a holiday celebration, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, this cake is sure to impress.
With simple ingredients, easy steps, and a little creativity, you can create a cake that’s just as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you add extra layers of cherry jam, infuse the ganache with liqueur, or simply enjoy it in its classic form, chocolate covered cherry cake is a dessert everyone will love.