If you crave a dessert that’s both stunning and simple, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe. Each slice is pure decadence: imagine moist devil’s food cake speckled with juicy cherries, ribbons of melty chocolate chips, and a silky ganache crowning the top. This is not your average cake mix hack — it’s an irresistible, party-worthy treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but comes together so easily! Whether you need a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, birthdays, or a spontaneous celebration, this Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe is delicious proof that rich, bakery-style cakes can start right in your own home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Cake:
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Topping:
- Fresh cherries or additional pie filling (optional)
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or a slick of butter to make sure your cake is easy to lift out and slice. This helps guarantee that gorgeous, clean-edged piece everyone wants!
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a big mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, the entire can of cherry pie filling, all three eggs, and almond extract. You can use a hand mixer on low speed or simply stir by hand. Don’t overmix — just blend until the batter looks uniform with pockets of cherries peeking out. This keeps your cake light and tender.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This step infuses your batter with those signature melty bits that make this Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe so memorable. Every bite will have a gooey chocolate burst!
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Slide the pan into your oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean — a few moist crumbs are perfect. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, which keeps it extra moist.
Step 5: Make the Ganache
As your cake cools, it’s ganache time! Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan or microwave until it’s steaming but not boiling. Pour it over the remaining cup of chocolate chips in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for two minutes and then stir until it’s smooth, shiny, and irresistibly glossy.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Pour the warm ganache all over your cooled cake and gently spread it to the edges. For a bakery finish, top with a handful of fresh cherries or a few extra dollops of cherry pie filling. Chill the cake just enough to set the ganache, then slice and share the cherry-chocolate magic!
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh cherries or a drizzle of reserved cherry pie filling heightens the look and taste of every slice. For a touch of glamour, a dusting of powdered sugar or some chocolate curls turns your Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe into a true showstopper.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with scoops of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a dreamy contrast of temperatures. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or even a spoonful of mascarpone on the side gives this dessert a whimsical, bakery-style feel.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into elegant squares and plating on vintage china, or use a round cookie cutter for adorable mini cakes. For a party, layer squares of Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe in glass jars with whipped cream and extra cherry filling for a crowd-pleasing trifle effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The cherry filling keeps the cake moist, and the ganache sets perfectly without drying out — a total make-ahead win!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, simply cut the cooled, un-garnished cake into portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add ganache and cherries just before serving for best flavor and appearance.
Reheating
Enjoy this cake chilled or at room temperature, but if you love a slightly warm, melty bite, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate chips inside soften and the ganache melts just slightly — pure indulgence!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for the Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While devil’s food cake gives the deepest chocolate flavor, you can try a standard chocolate cake mix or even a black forest cake mix for fun twists. Just make sure it’s about 15–16 ounces so the texture stays right.
Is almond extract necessary?
Almond extract brings a classic, almost nostalgic bakery flavor that pairs dreamy with cherries. You can use pure vanilla extract instead, but if you have almond, don’t skip it!
Can I make this Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe as a layer cake?
Yes! Divide the batter between two 9-inch round cake pans (greased and lined if possible) and bake for about 22–25 minutes. It’s gorgeous as a layer cake, especially with ganache and cherries between the layers.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The best way is to insert a toothpick in the center — if it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Avoid overbaking so your Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe stays extra soft and moist.
What are some fun ways to decorate the top?
Let your creativity shine! Try fresh cherries, extra cherry pie filling, chocolate curls, slivers of almonds, or even a sprinkle of edible glitter for a festive touch. The more color and contrast, the better!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends and family — or just treat yourself — this Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe is the way to do it. It’s full of flavor, incredibly easy, and looks absolutely gorgeous on any dessert table. Give it a try and let every bite transport you to cake bliss!
Print
Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling and ganache)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Cherry Chocolate Cake. A moist devil’s food cake infused with cherry pie filling and almond extract, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and fresh cherries for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Topping:
- Fresh cherries or additional pie filling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Mix the cake: Combine cake mix, cherry filling, eggs, and almond extract. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Make ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth.
- Decorate: Pour ganache over cooled cake, top with cherries or pie filling.
- Chill: Chill slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a layered version, use two 9-inch pans and adjust baking time.
- Almond extract can be substituted with vanilla for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
