Indulging in a slice of cherry chocolate cake is a delightful experience that combines rich, moist chocolate with the sweet, tartness of cherries. This luscious dessert is perfect for any occasion, elevating your baking game with its vibrant flavors and decadent texture.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
2 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries
½ cup granulated sugar (for cherry filling)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
¾ cup cocoa powder (for frosting)
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon cherry extract (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix 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: Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and glossy.
Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thin.
Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth. Add milk and cherry extract and beat until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cherry filling on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the cherry chocolate frosting.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional cherries or chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and serve your cherry chocolate cake at room temperature.
