Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake 🍫🍒
A moist, cocoa-rich cake studded with fresh cherries and topped with glossy ganache—this one’s for the chocolate lovers.
If you’re dreaming of a dessert that’s rich, fruity, and over-the-top indulgent, this Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is here to make those sweet wishes come true. It’s got everything: a tender cocoa crumb, juicy bursts of cherry in every bite, and a silky dark chocolate ganache that drapes over the top like a decadent hug.
Whether you’re baking for a dinner party, Valentine’s Day, or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake hits the spot every time.
Ingredients 🛒
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
- 1 tsp baking powder 🧪
- ½ tsp baking soda 🧂
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌼
- ½ cup buttermilk 🥛
- ½ cup hot water 🌊
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved 🍒
For the Topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate ganache (see pro tip below) 🍫
- Fresh cherries, for garnish 🍒
Instructions 👩🍳
1️⃣ Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Combine Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture in 3 parts, starting and ending with the dry mix.
Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth and silky.
5️⃣ Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold in the pitted, halved cherries to distribute them evenly.
6️⃣ Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7️⃣ Decorate
Once cool, pour the dark chocolate ganache over the cake and gently spread it to the edges.
Top with fresh cherries for a gorgeous, juicy finish.
Pro Tips 🌟
- Extra Indulgence: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Ganache Tip: Make a simple ganache by heating ½ cup heavy cream until just simmering, then pouring it over ½ cup chopped dark chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and shiny.
- Storage: Keep cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Bring to room temp before serving for best flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Styling
- Plate on a dark slate or black cake stand to make those cherries pop.
- Drizzle extra ganache down the sides for a dramatic look.
- Add a dusting of cocoa powder or edible gold flakes for a festive touch!
Rich, fruity, and totally dreamy—this Cherry Chocolate Cake is the ultimate indulgence.
