Chocolate Cherry Cake

Looking for a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries? This Chocolate Cherry Cake is the ultimate treat to satisfy your sweet cravings!

A moist, fudgy cake made with a Devil’s Food cake mix, juicy cherry pie filling, and topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate icing, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a celebration, it’s guaranteed to impress. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and the combination of chocolate and cherries will have everyone asking for seconds.

This dessert also has a few secret ingredients that elevate it from just a basic chocolate cake to something truly special. Almond extract adds a touch of warmth and depth, enhancing the natural sweetness of the cherries.

Then, a rich chocolate icing coats the entire cake, creating an indulgent, ganache-like finish. It’s a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss dessert you can whip up in no time!

Ingredients List

For the Cake:

• 1 (15.25 ounce) box Devil’s Food cake mix
• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (or substitute with vanilla extract)
• 2 eggs

For the Icing:

• 1 cup sugar
• 5 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/3 cup milk (I use 2%, but whole milk or cream will also work well)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional for Serving:

• Maraschino cherries
• Ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Colored sprinkles

Required Kitchen Tools

1. 9 x 13-inch baking dish: This is the perfect size to bake the cake in and allows for even cooking.
2. Large mixing bowl: You’ll need this for combining the cake ingredients.
3. Saucepan: A small saucepan is necessary to make the smooth, glossy icing.
4. Wire rack: A wire rack will help cool your cake evenly and prevent it from getting soggy.
5. Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise measurements for all ingredients.
6. Toothpick: Use this to test if the cake is done by inserting it into the center and seeing if it comes out clean.

Having these tools on hand will make your Chocolate Cherry Cake baking process smooth and efficient!

Cake Preparation

Making this Chocolate Cherry Cake is simple and quick. Follow these easy steps to create a moist, indulgent cake with a rich, chocolatey finish!

Mixing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the Devil’s Food cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract, and eggs. Mix until all ingredients are well blended and the batter is smooth. The cherry pie filling will add a moist, fruity texture to the cake while providing that lovely cherry flavor throughout.
3. Transfer the batter: Pour the cake batter into the prepared 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Baking the Cake

1. Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To test if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If not, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again.
2. Cool the cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for a few minutes before applying the icing. Allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving for the best texture and flavor.

Icing Preparation and Serving

Making the Chocolate Icing

1. Prepare the icing: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and milk. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once it begins to boil, let it cook for about 2 minutes, continuing to stir.
2. Add the chocolate chips: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Continue stirring until the chocolate chips have completely melted and the icing is smooth and glossy.
3. Pour over the cake: While the cake is still warm, pour the prepared icing over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface, letting it drip over the edges for that beautiful, indulgent look.

Optional Garnishes and Serving Suggestions

While your Chocolate Cherry Cake is already indulgent on its own, there are a few ways to take it to the next level:

• Top with maraschino cherries: Add a few maraschino cherries on top for a burst of color and an extra hint of cherry flavor.
• Serve with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream will complement the rich chocolate and cherry flavors.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich cake.
• Sprinkles: Add some colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch, especially if you’re serving this cake at a party or celebration.

Cooling and Slicing

Let the cake cool completely before slicing it to ensure the icing sets and hardens into a glossy, ganache-like coating. The cake will become easier to slice and serve once it’s fully cooled, typically after 3 hours. I recommend using a sharp knife to slice clean pieces, and serve fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Cherry Cake is an irresistible treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate and cherries into one showstopping dessert. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a cake that’s rich, moist, and utterly satisfying. The almond extract adds a unique twist that pairs beautifully with the cherries, while the smooth chocolate icing makes it extra indulgent. Whether you’re enjoying it as a family treat or bringing it to a special event, this cake will surely be a hit. And remember, it just gets better the next day!