Triple Chocolate Cherry Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Triple Chocolate Cherry Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that combines the bold flavors of chocolate and cherries in every bite. With layers of moist chocolate cake, tart cherries, and velvety chocolate ganache, this indulgent treat is perfect for celebrations, holidays, or any time you want to impress guests with a luxurious homemade dessert.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

all-purpose flourgranulated sugarunsweetened cocoa powderbaking powderbaking sodasalteggswhole milkvegetable oilvanilla extractboiling watersemi-sweet chocolate chipsdark chocolatebar (for ganache)heavy creamcanned cherry pie filling

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.

Gradually add boiling water to the batter, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin.

Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra chocolate boost.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Spread a generous layer of cherry pie filling between the two cake layers.

To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream until just simmering and pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Pour the ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip slightly over the sides.

Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the ganache before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12-14 slices.Preparation time: 25 minutesBaking time: 30-35 minutesCooling and assembly time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry filling for a grown-up twist.

Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter flavor.

Top with fresh cherries for an elegant presentation.

Make cupcakes instead of a layer cake for individual servings.

Use maraschino cherries mixed into the batter for a different cherry texture.

storage/reheating

Store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months.Thaw in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?

Yes, but cook them with sugar and cornstarch to create a filling consistency.

Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, due to the cherry filling and ganache, it should be kept refrigerated.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely, it can be made a day ahead and kept chilled until ready to serve.

Is this cake very sweet?

It’s rich and chocolatey, balanced by the tartness of the cherries.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, but the cake will be sweeter with a milder chocolate flavor.

Can I make this in a bundt pan?

Yes, but omit the filling layer and drizzle the ganache over the top.

How do I know when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

What type of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder for best results.

Can I add nuts to the batter?

Yes, chopped walnuts or almonds pair nicely with the chocolate and cherry flavors.

Conclusion

Triple Chocolate Cherry Cake is a showstopping dessert that blends rich chocolate with bright cherry flavor for a truly indulgent experience. Whether served at a dinner party or made just for yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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