Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Cake

If you’re craving something extra indulgent, this Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Cake is the perfect answer. Imagine taking a bite into layers of rich, fudgy chocolate cake, followed by a burst of sweet-tart cherries, and then finishing with a silky waterfall of glossy chocolate ganache… it’s every chocolate lover’s dream come true.

I still remember the very first time I baked this beauty — it was a chilly weekend afternoon, and I wanted something cozy that felt like a celebration. One slice later, and I knew this wasn’t just any chocolate cake… it’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone at the table pause for a second and smile.

The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make. With everyday ingredients and easy, beginner-friendly steps, you can whip up a dessert that looks like it came straight from a bakery — no special skills required. Whether it’s for a holiday, a birthday, or a quiet night at home, this cake guarantees pure joy in every bite. 🍒🍫✨

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Fudgy Texture

This chocolate cake is wonderfully moist thanks to a magical combination of cocoa powder, vegetable oil, and eggs. And when you whisk in boiling water, it “blooms” the cocoa, unlocking such deep chocolate flavor you’ll wonder why every cake doesn’t do it this way. The crumb is soft, smooth, and just slightly dense — the perfect foundation for that juicy cherry filling and velvety ganache on top. Every slice tastes like pure decadence and melts delightfully in your mouth.

Simple, Everyday Ingredients

No fancy shopping list required! Chances are, you already have most of what you need tucked inside your pantry — flour, sugar, milk, oil, vanilla. The cherry filling uses either fresh or canned cherries, so you can make this cake all year long. It’s a show-stopping dessert without the stress, cost, or ingredient hunt.

Straightforward & Beginner-Friendly Process

This recipe is designed to make you feel like a star baker — even if it’s your first time making a layered cake. You’ll mix dry ingredients, add the wet ones, pop it in the oven… and that’s the hardest part done! The cherry filling is a quick stovetop stir, and the ganache? Just pour warm cream over chocolate and let it melt into glossy perfection. It’s almost impossible to mess up — seriously!

Customizable and Versatile

Make this cake your own! Prefer more fruit? Add extra cherries between the layers. Want it sweeter or darker? Adjust the chocolate style. You can change the filling, swap the ganache for frosting, or even serve one of the layers as a simple snacking cake. This dessert fits beautifully into birthdays, holidays, potlucks — or those nights when you’re craving something truly special.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients

Before we start mixing and baking, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beautiful simplicity of what goes into this cake. Every ingredient has a purpose — and together, they create pure chocolate-cherry magic! ✨

Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour — gives the cake its soft and sturdy structure

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar — adds sweetness and helps keep the cake moist

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder — the star of the show, bringing deep chocolate flavor

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder + 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda — help the cake rise tall and fluffy

• 1 teaspoon salt — balances and enhances all the flavors

• 2 large eggs — bind everything together and add richness

• 1 cup whole milk — keeps the texture tender and smooth

• ½ cup vegetable oil — adds extra moisture for that irresistible fudgy crumb

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract — layers warm sweetness into the chocolate

• ¾ cup boiling water — “blooms” the cocoa for an even richer flavor and ultra-moist texture

Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or canned) — juicy, sweet-tart bursts in every bite

• ¼ cup sugar — just enough to sweeten the fruit naturally

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water — thickens the filling so it stays perfectly between the cake layers

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice — brightens and balances the cherry flavor

Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream — smooth, dreamy, and perfectly pourable

• 8 oz dark chocolate (chopped) — melts into a glossy finish worthy of a bakery display

How to Make Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get ready — we’re about to create something truly delightful! Just follow these cozy, stress-free steps:

1️⃣ Prep Your Pans & Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removing the cakes a breeze.

2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and lump-free.

3️⃣ Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir or beat until the batter turns smooth and chocolatey — already looking good!

4️⃣ Pour in the Boiling Water
This step may feel unusual, but trust me — it’s key! Stir in the boiling water carefully. The batter will become thin, and that’s exactly what makes the cake so wonderfully moist.

5️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool the cakes completely on wire racks.

🍒 Make the Cherry Filling

6️⃣ Cook & Thicken the Filling
While the cakes cool, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water, then stir into the cherries. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Set aside to cool — this becomes the delicious center surprise!

🍫 Prepare the Silky Ganache

7️⃣ Melt & Stir for Glossy Perfection
Warm the heavy cream until steaming (no boiling needed). Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety. Allow it to cool slightly so it thickens just a bit.

🎂 Assemble & Serve

8️⃣ Layer the Cake
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the top. Gently add the second layer. Then pour the luscious ganache over the top — let it drip down the sides like a chocolate waterfall 🍫✨ Optional: garnish with fresh cherries for an extra beautiful presentation.

9️⃣ Chill & Slice
Refrigerate the cake for about 20 minutes to help the ganache set. Slice, serve, and enjoy the applause!

What to Serve with This Recipe

Once your Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Cake is ready to slice and admire, pairing it with the right treat on the side makes every bite feel like a celebration. Here are some delicious ideas you can enjoy with each slice:

Suggested Pairings

• Freshly brewed coffee — the gentle bitterness and warmth balance the rich chocolate beautifully.

• A simple glass of cold milk — the classic combo! Smooth, refreshing, and especially great if kids are part of the gathering.

• Vanilla or cherry ice cream — a scoop of something cool brings that dreamy hot-and-cold contrast everyone loves.

• Fresh whipped cream — adds a lightly sweet, airy finish so each bite feels even more luxurious.

• Extra cherries or chocolate shavings — they don’t just taste great, they also make your slices look gorgeous and bakery-worthy.

Whether you’re serving it after dinner or as the star of a birthday celebration, these pairings turn an already stunning cake into a truly unforgettable dessert experience. 🍒✨

Variations and Substitutions

There’s something magical about the chocolate-and-cherry duo… but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun personalizing this cake! Here are some sweet ways to tailor it to your taste and occasion:

Extra Chocolatey / Richer

If you’re a serious chocolate lover, this one’s for you:

• Try using Dutch-processed cocoa for an even deeper, darker flavor.

• Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso or strong coffee to make the chocolate taste more intense (don’t worry — you won’t actually taste the coffee!).

• Use a mix of dark + semi-sweet chocolate in the ganache to create a balanced sweetness and a stunning glossy finish, topped with chocolate shavings for added texture.

Fruity Twist or Lighter Taste

Want to highlight the cherry magic even more?

• Replace part of the boiling water with cherry juice for brighter fruit flavor throughout the cake.

• Stir a splash of cherry liqueur, brandy, or kirsch into the filling for a grown-up version that’s perfect for celebrations (totally optional!).

Dietary or Ingredient Adjustments

Make this cake suit any table or dietary need:

• Swap whole milk for oat or almond milk and use coconut cream for a dairy-free ganache.

• Choose dark chocolate with higher cocoa % and reduce sugar slightly for a lower-sugar version.

• Short on time? Skip the ganache and dust with cocoa or powdered sugar — still delicious and beautiful!

No matter how you tweak it, this cake remains a show-stopping treat, every single time.

Storage Instructions

Keep your delicious hard work fresh and beautiful with these simple storage tips:

Refrigeration (Recommended for Best Results)

Because this cake has a juicy cherry filling and creamy ganache, the fridge is the best place to store it once assembled. Place it under a cake dome or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2–3 days.

Refrigeration helps the layers hold together, preserves moisture, and keeps the ganache smooth and shiny. Just let the cake rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving again so the texture softens perfectly.

Freezing (Make-Ahead or Longer Storage)

Planning ahead? Good news — this cake freezes wonderfully before filling and decorating:

• Bake the layers

• Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap + foil

• Freeze for up to a month

When you’re ready, thaw the layers overnight in the fridge, add your cherry filling and ganache, and enjoy a cake that tastes freshly baked.

Avoid freezing the fully assembled cake, as changes in moisture may affect the filling and ganache texture — we want every slice to be flawless!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are a few little secrets that will help you feel like a true cake-baking pro:

• Use high-quality cocoa powder — it makes a huge difference in deep chocolate flavor.

• Make sure eggs and milk are at room temperature to create a smoother batter.

• Avoid over-mixing, especially after adding the flour — it keeps the cake tender, not tough.

• Let the cake layers cool fully before assembling — warm cakes + soft ganache = sliding layers!

• Chill the finished cake for 20–30 minutes before slicing for neat, tidy pieces.

• Use a serrated knife and wipe between cuts for the prettiest layers.

• If cherries are extra juicy, drain a little liquid first to prevent soggy layers.

Sometimes it’s these tiny techniques that turn a delicious cake into a flawless one — and now those secrets are yours! 🧁✨

Related Recipes

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Salted Caramel Toffee Cake — a rich, layered chocolate cake with creamy frosting, caramel drizzle, and crunchy toffee bits. Great for chocolate-lovers wanting a different twist.

• Moist Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake — a simple, indulgent chocolate-peanut butter dessert that’s easy and comforting, similar in spirit to a layered chocolate cake.

• Hot Fudge Pie Recipe — for those who want rich chocolate decadence but in pie form; a nice alternative if someone isn’t in the mood for a layered cake.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that are super helpful when baking this cake:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries are perfect when in season. Just remember they may release more juice — drain or adjust water as needed for a thick filling.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the ganache?

You can use coconut cream or a creamy plant-based substitute. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake layers 1–2 days early and wrap well. Assemble the cake the day you plan to serve.

My cake turned out dry — what happened?

It may have baked a little too long or been mixed too much. You can gently brush cooled layers with milk or simple syrup before filling for extra moisture next time.

Can I switch up the topping?

Definitely! Whipped cream frosting or even a dusting of powdered sugar both make excellent alternatives to ganache.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep slices covered in the fridge for 2–3 days. They’re fabulous chilled!

Conclusion

There’s just something so joy-filled about baking a cake that brings together silky chocolate and bright, juicy cherries. This Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Cake does exactly that — rich, moist, fruity, and topped with a glossy ganache that makes every slice feel like a celebration.

What I love most is that this dessert feels impressive without being complicated. It’s friendly for beginner bakers, fun to customize, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, special dinners… or those cozy nights when you simply want something extraordinary.

I hope this recipe becomes one you return to again and again — the kind that gets requested by name and makes memories around the table.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how your cake turns out! Snap a picture, share the joy, and be sure to pin this recipe so you can bake it whenever cravings strike. 🍒🍫❤️

Print