If you have a craving for a dessert that bursts with rich chocolate flavor balanced by the bright sweetness of cherries, then you are going to love this Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe. This gorgeous dessert combines a moist, tender chocolate cake, a luscious cherry filling, and fluffy whipped cream, creating a dessert that feels elegant yet approachable. It’s perfect for celebrations or just when you want to indulge in a homemade treat that makes every bite feel special. Let me take you through this unforgettable recipe that surprisingly comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, promising smiles all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe plays a crucial role in shaping the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the rich cocoa powder that gives the cake its deep chocolate allure to the fresh cherries providing a juicy pop, each element is essential to the magic.
- 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour: The base for your cake structure, ensuring a tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that intense chocolate flavor, integral to the dessert’s rich taste.
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake, balancing the cocoa’s slight bitterness.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, yielding a light texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for perfect leavening and tenderness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, cutting through sweetness just right.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for that soft, cohesive crumb.
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk: Adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil: Ensures tender, moist cake layers with a soft crumb.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings depth to the chocolate and balances flavors wonderfully.
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa, making the chocolate flavor pop.
- 2 cups (320 g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted (or 1 can cherry pie filling): Provides that irresistible tart and sweet cherry burst.
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (if using fresh or frozen cherries): Sweetens the cherry filling perfectly.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling to a luscious consistency.
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water: Helps dissolve cornstarch for the cherry filling.
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream: Whipped for a light, creamy topping that complements the cake.
- 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just right without overpowering.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweet aroma to the cream.
- Chocolate shavings or curls: Serve as a show-stopping garnish, adding texture and elegance.
- Fresh cherries: For garnish and an extra burst of fresh flavor.
How to Make Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This dry mix is the foundation that will give structure and that rich chocolate color to your cake. Next, add in the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Blend everything until the batter becomes smooth and velvety. Finally, stir in the boiling water carefully — this step makes the batter thin but is key to intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a moist crumb.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Divide the luscious batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Bake at the recommended temperature for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely, as this makes assembling the dessert a breeze and prevents melting any whipped cream or cherry filling during layering.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling
If you’re using fresh or frozen cherries, combine them with the granulated sugar in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until they release their juices and soften. Stir the cornstarch and water mixture in to thicken the filling, letting it simmer until glossy and perfectly thickened. If using canned cherry pie filling, you can skip the cooking and simply use it as is for a quick, delicious alternative.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This fluffy whipped cream adds a dreamy lightness that balances the dense chocolate cake and sweet-tart cherries beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble Your Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe
Now the fun part: stacking and layering. Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous layer of cherry filling on top, then add a thick layer of whipped cream. Repeat with the second cake layer and finish with more whipped cream on top. Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries for an elegant, irresistible finish.
How to Serve Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Chocolate & Cherry Delight shine, top it with extra fresh cherries and chocolate shavings or curls. These not only add visual appeal but also provide contrasting textures and bursts of flavor, making each slice picture-perfect and delicious.
Side Dishes
This dessert is wonderfully rich on its own, but pairing it with a light, refreshing side such as a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can create a perfectly balanced meal. The ice cream especially complements the chocolate and cherry flavors while cooling the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve individual portions in clear glass parfait cups layered with cake cubes, cherry filling, and whipped cream. Or, turn this recipe into cupcakes with cherry filling centers and whipped cream frosting topped with a cherry and chocolate curl. These creative presentations elevate this classic delight to a stunning party showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your assembled Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. This not only preserves its freshness but lets the flavors meld beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dessert later, freeze unassembled cake layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw fully before adding cherry filling and whipped cream, as these components do not freeze well once combined.
Reheating
While this dessert is best served chilled, if you want to warm up just the cake layers, briefly microwave a slice for about 10 seconds or warm it in the oven wrapped in foil. Avoid heating the assembled dessert to keep the whipped cream and cherry filling intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in this Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess liquid in your filling.
Is there a substitute for heavy whipping cream?
For the best texture and flavor, heavy whipping cream is ideal. However, you can try whipping chilled coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative, though it will alter the taste slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts. Make sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free for the best results.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Following the steps with boiling water added to the batter is key to moistness. Also, don’t overbake and be sure to cool the cake completely before assembly.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and keep them wrapped at room temperature or refrigerated. Assemble with the cherry filling and whipped cream shortly before serving for the freshest taste and presentation.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the bright, juicy charm of cherries, and this Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe does exactly that. It’s approachable enough for a family dinner yet elegant enough for celebrations, bringing joy with every slice. Give it a try — I promise this one will become a beloved classic in your recipe collection, just as it is in mine.
Print
Chocolate & Cherry Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chocolate & Cherry Delight is a luscious layered dessert featuring a moist cocoa-infused chocolate cake paired with a sweet and tart cherry filling, topped with fluffy whipped cream and garnished with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries for an elegant presentation perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
Cherry Filling
- 2 cups (320 g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted (or 1 can cherry pie filling)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (if using fresh or frozen cherries)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Fresh cherries
Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Cake: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Beat in the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter becomes smooth and uniform. Then carefully stir in the boiling water, which will thin the batter and result in a moist cake.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between two greased or parchment-lined 9-inch round cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: If using canned cherry pie filling, it can be used as is. If using fresh or frozen pitted cherries, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will create a light, sweet topping for the dessert.
- Assemble the Dessert: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cherry filling evenly over the cake. Add a generous layer of whipped cream. Place the second cake layer on top, then spread the remaining cherry filling and top with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing the surface.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the top of the assembled cake with chocolate shavings or curls and fresh cherries. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cream to set. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- This cake is best served slightly chilled to keep the whipped cream stable and fresh.
- For an extra moist cake, do not skip the boiling water added to the batter.
- If fresh cherries are not in season, frozen cherries work well; thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
- You can substitute almond milk or another milk alternative for whole milk for a different flavor or dietary needs.
- Make sure to cool the cake completely before assembling to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
