Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake
This Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the rich combination of chocolate and cherries! With layers of moist chocolate cake, a sweet cherry filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache, each bite is decadent and bursting with flavor. Perfect for celebrations or as a special treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress with its gorgeous presentation and irresistible taste!
Ingredients:
• For the Chocolate Cake:
o 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
o 1 cup granulated sugar
o 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
o 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
o 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
o 1/2 tsp salt
o 2 large eggs, room temperature
o 1 cup whole milk
o 1/2 cup vegetable oil
o 2 tsp vanilla extract
o 1 cup boiling water
• For the Cherry Filling:
o 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (thawed if frozen)
o 1/2 cup granulated sugar
o 2 tbsp cornstarch
o 1 tbsp lemon juice
o 1/2 cup water
• For the Chocolate Ganache:
o 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
o 1/2 cup heavy cream
o 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• For Garnish (optional):
o Whole cherries (fresh or maraschino)
o Chocolate shavings
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans:
o Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Make the Chocolate Cake Batter:
o In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
o In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
o Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
o Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin, but that’s normal).
3. Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers:
o Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
o Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
o Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Cherry Filling:
o In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water.
o Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften, about 5-7 minutes.
o Remove from heat and let the cherry filling cool to room temperature.
5. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
o Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl.
o In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).
o Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly before using.
6. Assemble the Cake:
o Place the first chocolate cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cherry filling evenly over the top.
o Place the second cake layer on top of the cherry filling. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly to cover the top and letting it drip down the sides.
7. Garnish and Serve:
o Garnish the top of the cake with whole cherries and chocolate shavings if desired.
o Slice and serve this decadent Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake, and enjoy the rich, chocolatey layers with the sweet, juicy cherry filling in every bite!
Prep Time: 30 mins | Cooking Time: 30 mins | Cooling & Assembly Time: 1 hr | Total Time: 2 hrs | Servings: 12 | Calories: 450 kcal per slice
Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake
