Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in the perfect combination of tart cherries and rich chocolate with this easy one-bowl recipe for The Ultimate Cherry Chocolate Cake. This moist, decadent dessert is surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal cleanup and delivering maximum flavor. For another luscious chocolate treat, try this Hershey’s Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any celebration or a delightful weeknight baking project.

Ingredients

This Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake recipe layers a rich, moist chocolate cake with a light, creamy filling and a sweet-tart cherry topping for an unforgettable dessert experience.

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 package (4-serving size) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 envelopes dessert topping mix (such as Kraft Dream Whip)
• 1 1/4 cups cold milk
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 5 minutes

Context: This Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake comes together in about 20% less time than many similar layered dessert recipes, thanks to a streamlined process for the batter and frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Pans and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake layers release cleanly and easily after baking.

Step 2 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk thoroughly to combine and aerate, which helps create a tender crumb.

Step 3 — Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. For an extra moist cake, you can substitute the milk with buttermilk.

Step 4 — Create the Batter

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, beat for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined. Carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water. The batter will be thin—this is normal and key for a supremely moist chocolate cake.

Step 5 — Bake the Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cakes should begin to pull away from the sides of the pans. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.

Step 6 — Prepare Cherry Filling

While the cakes cool, make the filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 ½ cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen), ¼ cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cherries break down and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency, about 10-12 minutes. Let it cool completely.

Step 7 — Make Chocolate Frosting

For the frosting, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 ½ cups powdered sugar and ¾ cup cocoa powder, alternating with ⅓ cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash more milk.

Step 8 — Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thin layer of chocolate frosting over it, then pipe a dam of frosting around the edge. Fill the center with the cooled cherry filling. Carefully place the second layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting. Chill for 15 minutes to set.

Step 9 — Frost and Garnish

Apply the remaining frosting to the chilled cake, swirling it decoratively. For the final touch, garnish the top of your Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings. Slice, serve, and enjoy the dreamy combination of rich chocolate and tart cherry.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420 kcal
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	58g
Fat	19g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	220mg

Note: Nutritional values for this Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake are estimates based on typical ingredients and a standard serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing its dreamy flavor.

• Protein-Packed Flour — Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a scoop of unflavored protein powder for a boost that adds a subtle nutty richness.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap granulated sugar for a monk fruit or erythritol blend to reduce carbs and keep the cake perfectly sweet for a keto-friendly Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake.
• Dairy-Free Delight — Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and opt for almond or oat milk to create a completely dairy-free version that remains incredibly moist.
• Gluten-Free Base — A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works seamlessly in this recipe, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent treat.
• Reduced-Sodium Option — Simply omit any added salt in the batter; the natural flavors of cherry and chocolate are more than sufficient.
• Lighter Frosting — For the frosting, blend whipped coconut cream with a touch of cocoa powder for a fluffy, less-sweet topping that complements the rich cake.
• Fruit Sweetness Boost — Increase the amount of cherry puree slightly and reduce the sugar by a quarter to let the natural fruit flavor shine through more brightly.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate and tart cherries.
• For a sophisticated dessert course, serve a modest slice alongside a small pour of ruby port, a cherry liqueur, or a cold glass of milk for a classic touch.
• Turn it into a stunning holiday centerpiece by garnishing the top with fresh mint sprigs, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a few whole maraschino cherries.
• Perfect for celebrations like birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or anniversary dinners, this cake brings a touch of elegant indulgence to any special occasion.
• For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This ensures the layers of the Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake remain beautifully defined.
• Consider individual plating by adding a swirl of chocolate sauce or a cherry compote drizzle on the dessert plate before placing the slice for a restaurant-style presentation.

Whether served warm or at room temperature, this cake’s decadent flavors make it a memorable finale to any meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Fix: Bring butter, eggs, and dairy to room temperature for a smoother, more voluminous batter.
• Mistake: Overmixing the cake batter. Fix: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid a dense, tough crumb.
• Mistake: Substituting cherry pie filling for fresh or frozen cherries. Fix: Use real cherries to control sweetness and avoid a soggy, overly sweet layer.
• Mistake: Not properly preparing the pan. Fix: Always grease, flour, and line your pans with parchment to guarantee clean release.
• Mistake: Opening the oven door too early. Fix: Wait until the last 10 minutes of baking to check, preventing the cake from collapsing.
• Mistake: Frosting a warm cake. Fix: Cool layers completely on a wire rack; warm cake melts frosting and creates crumbs.
• Mistake: Using low-quality cocoa powder. Fix: Opt for a Dutch-process cocoa for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor in your Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake.
• Mistake: Skipping the cherry juice reduction. Fix: Simmer cherry juices to concentrate flavor and prevent a wet filling.
• Mistake: Adding chopped cherries directly to the batter. Fix: Toss them lightly in flour first so they don’t sink to the bottom during baking.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store the Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake, covered or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. Ensure your refrigerator is at or below 40°F (4°C) for food safety.
• Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place slices in a heavy-duty freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Reheat: For a warm slice, microwave a single portion for 15-20 seconds. For the whole cake, warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until just warmed through.

Always let the frozen Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or reheating.

Conclusion

This Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is the ultimate showstopping dessert, blending rich chocolate with sweet cherries. If you love this flavor combination, you might also enjoy our Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe or Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie Recipe. We hope you try this recipe—don’t forget to leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious ideas!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake?

Yes, frozen cherries work well. Thaw and drain them thoroughly to remove excess liquid before folding into the batter. This prevents the Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake from becoming soggy.

What is the best chocolate to use for the cake?

Use a high-quality cocoa powder in the batter and semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache or chips. This combination delivers the rich, deep chocolate flavor essential for the perfect Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake.

How should I store the finished cake?

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors often meld and improve, making the Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake even more delicious the next day.