Name: Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 6 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup milk, room temperature; ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate; 1 ½ cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water to thicken; 2 cups full-fat cream cheese, cold (about 16 oz); ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 to 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 2–3 tablespoons cooled cherry jam; Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch or milk powder for stability; Juice of ½ lemon

If you have a sweet tooth and adore the classic combo of chocolate and cherries, you’re about to fall in love with this Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe. This cake is the perfect harmony of rich, moist chocolate layers paired with a luscious cherry jam and dreamy cream cheese frosting. It’s the ideal dessert for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving a slice of pure comfort. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal mixing bowl filled halfway with a creamy batter that has swirls of light pink and white mixed together in a marble pattern, giving it a smooth, soft texture. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a navy blue cloth with white floral patterns nearby, and a clear glass with a dark red liquid is placed above the bowl. A clear mixing spatula rests inside the bowl, partially covered with the batter, with a woman's hand holding the spatula. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating this cake is surprisingly straightforward, and every ingredient plays an important role in building the deep chocolate flavor and cherry sweetness that make this recipe so unforgettable. From pantry staples like flour and cocoa to fresh cherries and cream cheese, each component brings something special to the table.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cake layers.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise perfectly fluffy and light.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
Neutral oil (canola or vegetable): Keeps the cake moist without overpowering flavors.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and tenderizes the cake layers.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness and moisture.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate.
Milk: Softens the batter and helps achieve the perfect texture.
Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: Optional add-ins for pockets of melty chocolate joy.
Pitted cherries (fresh or frozen): The star of the cherry jam, bringing natural sweetness and tang.
Lemon juice: Brightens the cherry jam and balances the sweetness.
Cream cheese: Essential for the smooth, tangy frosting that pairs beautifully with chocolate and cherries.
Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect consistency.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to enhance the frosting flavors.
Cooled cherry jam: Swirled into the frosting for extra cherry goodness.
Cornstarch or milk powder (optional): Used to stabilize the cherry jam if you like it thicker.
Lemon juice: Adds a subtle zing to the frosting and cherry jam.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure your cakes come out clean and perfectly shaped. Then whisk together your all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl – this dry mix will give your cake layers a tender structure and that deep chocolate goodness.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the neutral oil and granulated sugar, whisking until smooth and fully blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air for a fluffy texture. Stir in vanilla extract to add that inviting warmth and subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet mix in three parts, alternating with two parts of the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently and just until smooth with no streaks — overmixing can toughen your cake layers, and we want them light and tender! If you’re craving extra chocolate bursts, fold in the chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate now.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and place them in your oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial — cool cakes will hold their shape and texture better when frosted.

Step 5: Make the Cherry Jam

While your cakes cool, start your cherry jam by simmering pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Mash some of the cherries as they cook to release their natural sweetness and create lovely texture. If you prefer a thicker jam, stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook a few minutes longer until perfectly thickened. Cool completely before using.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until pale and fluffy. Add cold cream cheese and beat on medium speed just until combined, taking care not to overbeat or your frosting might end up too soft. Incorporate vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then sift in powdered sugar gradually, beating until the frosting is luxuriously smooth and thick. Finally, gently fold in some of your cooled cherry jam for a subtle fruity surprise throughout the frosting.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Level your cake layers if they have domed tops for an even stack. Place one cake layer on your serving plate, then spread a generous layer of frosting over it. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a thin layer of cherry jam before topping with the second cake layer. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and chill briefly to set it. Finish by frosting the whole cake smoothly. Decorate with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or piping for that show-stopping finish. Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to bring out the full flavors and softness.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or even candied cherry pieces make perfect garnishes to complement the flavors of this Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe. They don’t just add beauty; they enhance the flavors and give texture contrast that’ll wow your guests.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want to keep it simple, a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk will also perfectly balance the richness of the chocolate and cream cheese frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not go beyond the classic round cake? Try slicing the cake into mini cupcakes or layer it in a trifle dish with extra cherry jam and cream cheese frosting swirls. You can create beautiful individual servings garnished with a single cherry on top – it makes for a gorgeous party platter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors even deepen as it rests. For the best slice, bring it back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cake layers before frosting or freeze the whole assembled cake. Wrap layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting or serving.

Reheating

For the best experience, it’s ideal to enjoy this cake at room temperature. If you want your slice warm, microwave a piece for about 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the cherry jam?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in the cherry jam. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make the Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind, the flavor and texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!

How long does it take to chill the frosting properly?

For best results, refrigerate the cream cheese frosting overnight or for at least 6 hours. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to frost your cake smoothly.

Can I skip the cherry jam in the frosting?

You can skip it if you prefer a classic cream cheese frosting, but the cherry jam adds a delightful fruity note that complements the chocolate perfectly, so it’s highly recommended!

What’s the secret to a moist chocolate cake?

Using oil instead of butter and adding enough milk creates a moist crumb. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter and don’t overbake the cake for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that effortlessly blends luscious chocolate with sweet-tart cherries and a creamy frosting, creating a show-stopping cake that tastes as amazing as it looks. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings—you might just find yourself making it again and again!