Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe: A Sweet Treat for All Seasons

Sweet dreams come alive when a decadent chocolate cherry cake becomes the star of your dessert lineup.

Rich cocoa blends seamlessly with tart fruit notes, creating a symphony of flavors.

Layers of moist chocolate promise an indulgent experience that melts in your mouth.

Cherries add a burst of brightness, cutting through the deep chocolate intensity.

Each slice tells a story of culinary passion and careful crafting.

Home bakers will find joy in this straightforward yet impressive dessert.

You won’t be able to resist diving fork-first into this irresistible treat.

Everything You Need For Nigella Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the foundational structure for the chocolate cherry cake.
• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients together and add moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Almond Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a subtle nutty essence.

• Cherry Filling: Adds a burst of fruity flavor and moisture to the chocolate cake.

• Butter, Corn Syrup: Create a smooth and glossy base for the chocolate glaze.
• Chocolate Chips: Melt to form a rich and decadent drizzle over the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and rounds out the flavor of the glaze.
• Fresh Cherries: Optional garnish that adds a fresh and decorative touch to the finished cake.

Simple Instructions For Nigella Chocolate Cherry Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously coat your bundt pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Almond extract

Gently fold in the luscious cherry filling until everything blends smoothly.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Once done, let the cake rest and cool for about 15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a serving plate.

Step 4: Complete Cooling

Allow the cake to cool completely for at least 2 hours. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to glaze.

Step 5: Craft Decadent Chocolate Glaze

• Butter
• Syrup

Add chocolate chips and stir until silky smooth. Mix in vanilla for extra richness.

Step 6: Finish and Decorate

Drizzle the warm chocolate glaze all over the cake. If desired, scatter fresh cherries on top for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.

Helpful Tips For Nigella Chocolate Cherry Cake Success

• Pick the Right Cherry Filling: Choose high-quality, thick cherry pie filling for rich, intense flavor and better texture in your cake.
• Control Moisture with Careful Mixing: Fold cherry filling gently to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake dense and heavy.
• Prevent Sticking with Proper Greasing: Thoroughly coat bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy cake release.
• Master the Glaze Technique: Melt chocolate chips and butter slowly over low heat to create smooth, silky drizzle without burning.
• Enhance Flavor with Extract Boost: Add extra almond extract for deeper, more complex taste that complements chocolate and cherry.

Swaps And Add-Ins For Nigella Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safe consumption for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Cake: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or commercial egg replacer. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and plant-based butter alternative for the glaze.
• Low-Sugar Option: Select sugar-free cake mix and cherry filling. Replace regular chocolate chips with stevia-sweetened dark chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content.
• Nutty Cherry Chocolate Cake: Add chopped almonds or walnuts into batter for extra crunch. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of glaze for enhanced texture and flavor complexity.

What To Serve With Nigella Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Sip Smooth Cherry Liqueur: Pair this decadent chocolate cherry cake with a chilled glass of kirsch or cherry brandy, enhancing the fruity undertones and complementing the rich chocolate flavor.
• Serve Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a slice with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the warm cake and cold, silky dessert companion.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a sweet Port, which will beautifully highlight the chocolate's depth and cherries' sweetness.
• Enjoy Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, dark roast coffee to serve alongside the cake, cutting through the sweetness and providing a robust, earthy balance to the dessert.

How To Store Nigella Chocolate Cherry Cake Well

• Store cake covered in plastic wrap or airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Separate individual slices with wax paper, place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months for quick single-serving treats.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For frozen slices, thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly in microwave or enjoy chilled.

Your Top Questions On Nigella Chocolate Cherry Cake

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry filling?

Yes, you can use pitted fresh cherries. Chop them and reduce their moisture by cooking briefly with a bit of sugar to prevent excess liquid in the cake.

• Is almond extract necessary for the recipe?

While almond extract adds depth, you can substitute with vanilla extract if you prefer or have allergies. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to touch.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients like cherry filling are certified gluten-free. The technique remains the same for mixing and baking.

What Makes Nigella Chocolate Cherry Cake So Rich

• Elevate Your Dessert Game: This chocolate cherry cake transforms a simple boxed mix into a gourmet-style treat that impresses guests with minimal effort.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal prep steps and straightforward ingredients mean you can create a stunning dessert without complex baking skills or advanced techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The rich chocolate combined with sweet cherry filling delivers a nostalgic flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or potluck events.
• Adaptable Celebration Centerpiece: Whether you're hosting a birthday, holiday gathering, or weekend get-together, this cake serves as a delightful dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hrs
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate cherry cake brings European elegance to dessert tables with its luxurious blend of deep cocoa and sweet fruit. Dark chocolate layers nestled with tangy cherries create a sophisticated experience you’ll savor down to the last delectable crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) devils food cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) canola oil
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) cherry pie filling

Frosting/Topping Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 3/4 cup (130 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

• Maraschino cherries

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F and generously coating a bundt pan with grease to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and almond extract, creating a smooth batter. Gently incorporate cherry filling, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
3. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased bundt pan, spreading it evenly to create a uniform surface.
4. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a cooling rack.
6. Let the cake cool completely for approximately 2 hours, allowing it to reach room temperature and firm up.
7. Create the glaze by melting butter and syrup together in a saucepan over low heat. Gradually add chocolate chips, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
8. Stir vanilla into the glaze, ensuring a consistent flavor and texture.
9. Drizzle the warm glaze generously over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
10. Optional: Garnish with fresh cherries for an elegant and appetizing final touch.

Notes

• Prevent cake sticking by ensuring bundt pan is generously greased with butter or non-stick spray, coating every crevice carefully.
• Enhance flavor complexity by using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer, more intense glaze that complements cherry’s tartness.
• Consider reducing sugar in cake mix if using sweet cherry filling to balance overall dessert sweetness and prevent overwhelming sugary taste.
• Make gluten-free version by substituting standard cake mix with gluten-free alternative and checking ingredient compatibility with almond extract.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 347 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg