If you have a soft spot for flavors that dance beautifully between rich, tangy, and sweet, the Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine moist chocolate cake swirled with luscious cream cheese and bursting with bright cherry pie filling — it is as stunning to look at as it is to eat. Every bite is like a bite of joy, perfect for celebrations or cozy afternoons when you want something truly special without too much fuss. This recipe cleverly balances the comfort of homemade baking with the ease of simple ingredients, making it a must-have in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this cake is a breeze because each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal. From the moist chocolate base to the creamy filling and sweet cherry pockets, these components come together effortlessly to delight your taste buds.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation that ensures a moist and rich chocolate flavor in every slice.
- Vegetable oil: Helps keep the cake tender and moist without overpowering the chocolate notes.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter, making it fluffy and tender.
- Water: Balances moisture to keep the batter smooth and perfect for baking.
- Cherry pie filling: Adds vibrant bursts of sweet and tart cherries throughout the cake.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates the luscious, smooth filling that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling delicately without being overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese, giving it warmth and depth.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Perfect for crafting a rich, glossy glaze to finish the cake.
- Heavy cream: Combines with chocolate chips to create a silky smooth glaze that clings perfectly.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan
Before you start mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan. This step is essential so the cake releases easily once baked, maintaining that gorgeous shape every baker dreams of.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat these together until you have a smooth, uniform batter. The real magic begins when you gently fold in the cherry pie filling — this keeps those juicy cherries intact and ensures the fruity flavors will pop with every bite instead of blending away.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Grab another bowl for the cream cheese filling. Beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, one egg, and vanilla extract until silky smooth and fluffy. This creamy swirl will provide that tangy and sweet counterpoint to the chocolate and cherries, elevating the cake to new heights.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Pour half of your cherry-laden cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing it out gently. Next, spoon the cream cheese mixture right over the center, creating a thick filling layer without touching the edges. Top with the remainder of the cake batter, spreading evenly to fully encase that dreamy cream cheese swirl.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your creation for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake’s center comes out clean. This baking time lets the cake set beautifully while keeping it moist and tender. Once done, let the Bundt cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before flipping it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch (Glaze)
While optional, the chocolate glaze is a luscious way to finish the cake. Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring until silky smooth. Drizzle this glossy finish over the cooled cake for a stunning, shiny look and an extra burst of chocolate richness.
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can beautifully highlight the Bundt’s curves if you prefer a lighter touch instead of the chocolate glaze. Fresh cherries or a sprig of mint alongside can add a pop of color and freshness that makes every slice feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which complement the rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese layers. If serving at a gathering, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of milk balances the sweetness perfectly and keeps everyone happy.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of cherry sauce or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a delightful textural contrast. For special occasions, arrange smaller portions on a tiered dessert stand to showcase the cake’s tempting marbled interior layer, making it the centerpiece of your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and keeps the cream cheese filling nice and creamy. Leftover slices stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it a great option for a treat later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this cake longer, freezing is a great solution. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When stored properly, the cake can last up to 2 months, so you can enjoy your Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen slices, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For that just-baked warmth, microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds before serving. This brings back the soft texture of the chocolate cake and gives the cream cheese filling a delightful softness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cherry pie filling adds a personal touch and allows you to control sweetness and tartness, which can make your Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe even more special and personalized.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut cream. Just ensure these substitutes are well softened and smooth for the best texture in your cake.
What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
If a Bundt pan isn’t available, use a regular 9×13-inch cake pan. The baking time might change slightly, so keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter or sprinkled on top for some extra crunch, adding a nice contrast to the smooth cream cheese and tender chocolate cake.
How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking?
Filling the center carefully and avoiding spreading the cream cheese mixture near the edges helps keep it contained during baking. A gentle pour and slight indentation in the batter base can also help hold the filling in place.
Final Thoughts
With its stunning swirl of cherry and cream cheese nestled inside a moist chocolate cake, the Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake offers a beautiful combination of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Dive in, savor every bite, and let this recipe bring a little extra happiness into your kitchen.
Print
Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is a delightful dessert combining rich chocolate cake with a luscious cherry pie filling and a creamy swirl of sweetened cream cheese. Topped optionally with a smooth chocolate glaze, this cake is perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat at any time.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until well combined and smooth. Gently fold in the cherry pie filling evenly throughout the batter to infuse the cake with fruity bursts.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Layer the batter and filling: Pour half of the prepared chocolate cherry batter into the bottom of the Bundt pan. Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, keeping it centered and avoiding the edges to create a swirl effect. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Bake the cake: Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is fully cooked while remaining moist.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing or serving.
- Prepare and add the glaze (optional): Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring well until smooth. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake for an extra touch of chocolate indulgence.
Notes
- You can replace the chocolate glaze with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
