If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweet, tart essence of cherries, look no further than this easy cherry chocolate chip cake. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or simply satisfy a sweet craving at home. With its moist texture and delightful flavor combination, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. This cake not only takes advantage of fresh cherries when they are in season but also adapts beautifully to frozen cherries, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness year-round. The balance of chocolate and cherry creates a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and indulgent, making every bite a true treat.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extras:
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved (if using frozen, do not thaw)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Note: For the best results, use ripe, high-quality cherries that are firm and juicy. If you can’t find fresh cherries, frozen ones work well but ensure they are pitted and halved before adding them to the batter. This will help maintain the cake’s texture. Also, consider that the type of chocolate chips you choose can significantly influence the overall flavor profile of your easy cherry chocolate chip cake. You can learn more about this topic, including the benefits of using seasonal fruits in your baking, which enhances not only flavor but also nutritional value.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures that your cake will come out cleanly without sticking, making it easier to slice and serve. It’s important to preheat the oven to achieve the right baking temperature for a perfectly risen cake.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended, ensuring there are no lumps. This step is crucial for an even distribution of the leavening agents and sugar throughout the batter, which will help your cake rise uniformly as it bakes.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture to avoid any clumps. The buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang that enhances the flavor of the cake, creating a lovely balance with the sweetness of the sugar.
4. Combine mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can lead to a dense cake. Mix until no flour streaks remain visible, but some small lumps are perfectly fine. This gentle mixing helps to maintain the light, fluffy texture that is characteristic of a great cake.
5. Add chocolate chips and cherries: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and halved cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Use a spatula to fold, which helps to keep the batter light and airy. Ensure the cherries are evenly spaced to avoid clumping, which can lead to uneven baking.
6. Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges. This ensures uniform baking and prevents any areas from being undercooked. Additionally, tapping the pan lightly on the counter helps to eliminate any air bubbles that may have formed during mixing.
7. Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time; ovens can vary in temperature, and you want to avoid overbaking. The top should be golden brown, and the edges may begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps the cake set properly and enhances its flavor, allowing the chocolate to firm up slightly and the cherries to keep their integrity.
9. Serve: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired and slice into squares. Enjoy your easy cherry chocolate chip cake! Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. A side of fresh cherries can also complement this dessert beautifully, adding a refreshing taste.

Tips & Tricks

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, wrap slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture when ready to enjoy.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare the batter a day in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow it to come back to room temperature before baking; this will help the cake bake evenly. This is a great option for busy days when you want to have a delicious dessert on hand!
• Avoid overmixing: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined for the best texture. Remember, a few lumps are not a problem; they will bake out. This technique is key in keeping your easy cherry chocolate chip cake light and fluffy.
• Use quality chocolate: The flavor of your chocolate chips can greatly affect the taste of the cake. Opt for high-quality chocolate for a more decadent dessert. Dark chocolate can also be used for a richer chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries, balancing sweetness and tartness.
• Swap with other fruits: If you’re not a fan of cherries, consider using other fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, for a different flavor profile. Each fruit will bring its unique sweetness and acidity, which can change the cake’s character! This flexibility allows you to create variations of the easy cherry chocolate chip cake that cater to your personal taste or what’s in season.

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Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cake

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 12 +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

35 min

🔥

Calories

—

A delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweet, tart essence of cherries.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved (if using frozen, do not thaw)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.

3.

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

4.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

5.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and halved cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.

7.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9.

Dust with powdered sugar if desired and slice into squares. Enjoy your cake!