Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Chocolate Cherry Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of Black Forest Cake with a modern twist inspired by Milk Bar Bakery. This cake features layers of moist chocolate cake, rich cherry syrup, and fluffy whipped cream, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Each slice reveals layers filled with crunchy chocolate cookie crumbs, making it perfect for celebrations and special occasions.

This beautiful cake decoration seems complex but, really is basic. Anyone can give the appearance of a gourmet creation by baking one big sheet cake and cut it apart into the layers needed for it. This is fun cake to make and a delightful experience for all who taste it.

Key Takeaways

• This cake blends traditional flavors with a modern presentation.
• It includes easy steps for making chocolate cake and cherry syrup.
• The use of cookie crumbs adds a unique texture to each layer.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• The chocolate sponge is light and fluffy, creating a delightful texture.
• The cherry filling is quick to prepare.
• Assembly is simple and forgiving, making it accessible for all bakers.
• It serves as a stunning dessert for celebrations.

Recipe Testing

The Milk Bar Bakery by Christina Tosi in New York has been inspiring so many with its scrumptious layered cakes. I am lucky to have been able to visit their cooking class in Los Angeles, where I could get more information on how they create treats in their bakery. To date, after that activity, several classic cakes with some twists have been created: Peanut Butter Cake and Lemon Blackberry Cake.

Of all the confections, one of the most highly awaited is chocolate cake. In this dessert, a sour-cream-and-butter-rich Chocolate Sheet Cake provides something on which to build, giving this chocolate cake a soft, tender sponge.

Adding the texture is chocolate cake crumbs. This is, in essence, a crumbly shortbread that gives each bite quite a delightful crunch.

A simple cherry syrup made with store-bought cherries lends a hint of sweetness, reminiscent of Black Forest Cake. And it’s topped off with dollop after dollop of whipped cream, perfectly balancing the flavors and textures. This combination of elements surely promises a chocolate cake that will stand out, appealing to both classic and modern dessert lovers. Every layer and addition has been tried and tested for maximum flavor and visuals.

Ingredients

To create a delicious Chocolate Cherry Cake, several key ingredients are essential. These components enhance the flavor and texture of the cake, making it truly special.

Chocolate Cake

• 120 ml (1/2 cup) hot water
• 230 grams (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 200 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar or caster sugar
• 90 grams (1/2 cup) brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 245 grams (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 60 grams (3/4 cup) cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 240 ml (1 cup) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature

Chocolate Crumbs

• 105 grams (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
• 65 grams (1/3 cup) granulated sugar or caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornflour or cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 60 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted

Cherry Syrup

• 250 grams (1 cup) canned or jarred cherries, drained (or fresh cherries, pitted)
• 240 ml (1 cup) cherry syrup from canned or jarred cherries
• 50 grams (1/4 cup) granulated sugar or caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornflour or cornstarch

Whipped Cream

• 600 ml (2 1/2 cups) heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients

• Maraschino Cherries: For an extra burst of cherry flavor between layers.
• Almond Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Add texture and additional chocolate flavor.

Equipment Required

• Quarter sheet pan (9 x 13 inch)
• 6-inch cake ring
• Acetate sheet (at least 6 inches high)

These tools will help achieve the desired texture and presentation, especially when incorporating whipped cream.

How to Make the Chocolate Cherry Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

Making a delicious chocolate cake is simple and satisfying. The key to a moist and tasty cake lies in a few essential steps.

1. Prepare the Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend butter and sugars on medium speed for 1–2 minutes until creamy.
   • Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water, mixing on low speed until just combined.
3. Incorporate Sour Cream:
   • Gently fold in the sour cream until the batter is smooth.
4. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into a greased and lined quarter sheet pan.
   • Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool completely.

Storage Tips:

• Wrap the cooled cake securely in plastic wrap if not assembling immediately.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Crumbs

1. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, cornflour, and cocoa powder.
   • Stir in melted butter until the mixture forms small crumbs.
2. Bake:
   • Spread the crumbs on a lined baking tray.
   • Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
   • Allow them to cool completely.

Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Syrup

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a saucepan, mix cherry syrup, sugar, and cornflour.
2. Cook:
   • Heat over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens.
3. Cool:
   • Set aside to cool completely.

Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

1. Whip Cream:
   • In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream on low speed for about a minute.
2. Add Vanilla:
   • Add vanilla and continue to beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.
   • Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

To create a unique Milk Bar-inspired cake:

1. Cut the Cake Layers:
   • Use a 6-inch cake ring to cut out two full circles and two half-moon pieces from the cooled cake.
2. Set Up the Ring:
   • Place the cake ring on a serving plate.
   • Line the inside with an acetate sheet.
3. First Layer:
   • Arrange the two half-moon pieces inside the ring to form a full circle.
   • Brush with 3 tablespoons of cherry syrup.
   • Spread a layer of whipped cream.
   • Sprinkle with reserved cherries and chocolate crumbs.
4. Repeat Layers:
   • Add a full cake circle and repeat the syrup, whipped cream, cherries, and crumbs.
   • Repeat for the next layer.
5. Chill:
   • Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours.
6. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the ring and acetate.
   • Slice and enjoy!

Note: If you don’t have a cake ring and acetate, you can assemble the cake as a traditional layered cake using round cake pans.

Storage Recommendations

• Refrigerate the assembled cake until ready to serve.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Additional Tips

• Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor.
• Sour Cream Substitute: Full-fat Greek yogurt works well if sour cream isn’t available.
• Fresh vs. Canned Cherries: Fresh cherries can be used when in season; just pit them first.
• Cream Whipping: Ensure your cream has at least 35% fat content for proper whipping.
• Equipment Alternative: If you don’t have specific equipment, adapt by using standard cake pans.

Nutrition Information

Per slice:

• Calories: 538
• Sugar: 30.5 g
• Sodium: 129.5 mg
• Fat: 29.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 66.1 g
• Protein: 6.2 g
• Cholesterol: 117.2 mg

Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep cherries from sinking in my cake?

To prevent cherries from sinking:

• Coat them in flour before adding to the batter.
• Add cherries towards the end of mixing.
• Use smaller pieces if cherries are particularly large.

What are some strategies for baking a moist chocolate cherry cake?

To achieve a moist cake:

• Use room temperature ingredients for better integration.
• Include sour cream or yogurt to add moisture.
• Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
• Bake until just done; overbaking can dry out the cake.

Is it possible to create a chocolate cherry cake using a boxed cake mix?

Yes! Here’s how:

• Prepare the mix according to package instructions.
• Fold in cherries or cherry pie filling into the batter.
• Adjust baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

What does a classic Black Forest chocolate cherry cake recipe look like?

A traditional Black Forest cake includes:

• Chocolate sponge layers soaked in cherry syrup or liqueur.
• Layers of whipped cream and cherries between the sponges.
• Frosted with whipped cream and decorated with cherries and chocolate shavings.

Is there a straightforward old-fashioned recipe for chocolate cherry cake?

Absolutely! An old-fashioned recipe involves:

• Mixing basic ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, and eggs.
• Adding cherries directly into the batter.
• Baking until done and optionally icing with chocolate frosting.

What are some different takes on chocolate cherry cake?

Explore these variations:

• Cherry Chocolate Chip Cake: Add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Black Forest Cupcakes: Mini cakes with cherry filling.
• Fudge Cherry Cake: Incorporate fudge elements for richness.
• Cherry Almond Chocolate Cake: Add almond extract for a nutty twist.

Print