Introduction
Chocolate and cherries are a match made in heaven, and this chocolate cherry cake is the perfect example of that! With a rich chocolate flavor and sweet and tart cherries throughout, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a dinner party or just want to enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee, this cake is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 115g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 200g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 120ml whole milk
- 120ml sour cream
- 100g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 can (425g) pitted cherries, drained and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and sour cream.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Stir in the cocoa powder until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped cherries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cake
To make this cake vegan, replace the butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Use non-dairy milk and non-dairy sour cream in place of the whole milk and sour cream.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cherry Cake
To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour. Make sure to check that all of your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes
To make cupcakes instead of a cake, divide the batter evenly among 12 lined muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Conclusion
This chocolate cherry cake is a delicious and decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor and sweet and tart cherries, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Plus, with the variations listed above, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain the excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor. However, keep in mind that the cake may be sweeter with milk chocolate.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. You can bake the cake and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months.
Can I use a different type of fruit instead of cherries?
Yes, you can use a different type of fruit instead of cherries if you prefer. Raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries would also work well in this recipe.
Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the cake may be different. You can try using cake flour, pastry flour, or whole wheat flour.
Can I use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil. Canola oil, coconut oil, or melted butter would also work well in this recipe.
Can I add nuts to the cake batter?
Yes, you can add nuts to the cake batter if you like. Chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans would work well with the chocolate and cherry flavors.
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use a different type of chocolate instead of chocolate chips. Chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chunks would also work well in this recipe.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. You may also need to add xanthan gum to help the cake hold together.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherries for the topping?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries instead of canned cherries for the topping. Just make sure to pit and chop the cherries before using them. You may also need to add a little sugar to the cherries to sweeten them up.
