Chocolate & Cherry Delight

This Chocolate & Cherry Delight is a decadent dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate layers with the tart sweetness of cherries. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and garnished with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries, it’s an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines classic flavors of chocolate and cherry in a way that feels both indulgent and fresh. The layers of moist chocolate cake, vibrant cherry filling, and airy whipped cream create a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors. It’s versatile enough for a special celebration or a weekend dessert indulgence.

Ingredients

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

For the Chocolate Cake:

1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour

3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup (240 ml) whole milk

1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup (240 ml) boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

2 cups (320 g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted (or 1 can cherry pie filling)

1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (if using fresh or frozen cherries)

2 tbsp cornstarch

1/4 cup (60 ml) water

For the Whipped Cream Layer:

2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish:

Chocolate shavings or curls

Fresh cherries

Directions

Make the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat until the batter is smooth.

Stir in the boiling water (the batter will thin). Divide it evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cherry Filling:

For fresh or frozen cherries: Combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened and bubbling (about 5-7 minutes). Cool completely.

For canned cherry pie filling: Skip this step.

Whip the Cream:

In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Dessert:

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cherry filling over it, followed by whipped cream.

Add the second cake layer, then repeat with cherry filling and whipped cream. Frost the sides with whipped cream if desired or leave them exposed for a rustic look.

Garnish and Serve:

Decorate with chocolate shavings or curls and fresh cherries.

Chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Assembly Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Substitute Fruits: Swap the cherries for raspberries or strawberries for a different fruity twist.

Boozy Addition: Add a splash of cherry liqueur like Kirsch to the filling for an adult-friendly dessert.

Trifle Version: Cube the chocolate cake and layer with cherry filling and whipped cream in a glass trifle dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Allow frozen slices to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Related Recipes:

• Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
• Classic Cherry Delight
• Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

FAQs

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to check the other ingredients for any hidden gluten.

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, canned cherry pie filling works perfectly and skips the step of cooking the filling.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

You can bake the cake layers and prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the cake on the day of serving for the best texture.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

While store-bought whipped cream is convenient, homemade whipped cream gives the dessert a fresher taste and better texture.

How do I create chocolate curls for garnish?

Use a vegetable peeler to scrape along the edge of a chocolate bar. For larger curls, slightly soften the chocolate by letting it sit at room temperature before peeling.

Conclusion

This Chocolate & Cherry Delight is a show-stopping dessert that pairs rich chocolate with vibrant cherries in a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether for a holiday gathering or a sweet treat to share, it’s a recipe I find irresistible. Give it a try—you’ll love the layers of indulgence it offers.

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