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Chocolate Cake with Cherry Topping

A luscious chocolate cake topped with a vibrant cherry mixture and whipped cream, perfect for any celebration or a sweet treat.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baking, Celebration Cake, Cherry Topping, Chocolate Cake, Dessert Recipe
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1.5 cups 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cups 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1.5 tsp 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large 2 large eggs
  • 0.75 cups 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 cups 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cups 3/4 cup hot coffee (or hot water)

For the Cherry Topping

  • 2 cups 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted Fresh cherries preferred for best flavor.
  • 0.5 cups 1/2 cup cherry jam or preserves
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1-2 tbsp 1 to 2 tbsp sugar (optional) Adjust sweetness as desired.

For the Whipped Cream

  • 1.5 cups 1 and 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 4 tbsp 4 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish

  • to taste Fresh cherries for garnish
  • to taste Dark chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  • Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, thick batter.
  • Pour in the hot coffee (or hot water) and mix until fully incorporated.

Baking

  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Cherry Topping

  • In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cherries, cherry jam, lemon juice, and optional sugar. Heat over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until syrupy and the cherries soften slightly. Set aside to cool completely.

Whipped Cream

  • In a cold mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form and it is fluffy.

Assembly

  • Once the cake is completely cool, spread the whipped cream generously over the top.
  • Spoon the cooled cherry topping over the cream.
  • Finish with fresh cherries and dark chocolate shavings for garnish.

Serving

  • Let the assembled cake chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing. Serve chilled or lightly cool.
  • Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three days.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh cherries in the topping. A few drops of almond extract in the whipped cream can elevat the flavor. The cake can be made a day in advance and assembled just before serving for optimal texture and presentation.