Chocolate Cherry Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with the natural sweetness of fresh cherries. This cake is moist, deeply flavorful, and has a luscious texture thanks to the addition of buttermilk and hot water in the batter. Topped with a smooth layer of dark chocolate ganache and garnished with fresh cherries, this cake is perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or simply to indulge in a treat that feels luxurious yet comforting. With the right balance of flavors, this chocolate cherry cake is a must-try for chocolate lovers and cherry enthusiasts alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup hot water

Additional Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 cup dark chocolate ganache
• Fresh cherries for topping (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a Separate Bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Alternate Mixing: Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
2. Add Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and mix. Then add the remaining dry ingredients and continue mixing.
3. Add Hot Water: Finally, slowly pour in the hot water, mixing until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin but should be smooth.

Step 4: Fold in the Cherries

1. Gently Fold In: Add the fresh cherry halves to the batter and gently fold them in with a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the Batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Dark Chocolate Ganache

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of dark chocolate with 1/2 cup heavy cream over low heat until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
2. Cool Slightly: Let the ganache cool slightly so it’s thick but still pourable.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour Ganache: Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the dark chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a rustic look.
2. Top with Fresh Cherries: Decorate the top with fresh cherries as desired.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and serve this rich chocolate cherry cake with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.

Nutrition Facts (per slice, approximately 12 servings)

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 24g
• Sodium: 120mg

Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

• Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to avoid extra moisture.

2. How do I make buttermilk if I don’t have any?

• Combine 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it’s ready to use.

3. Can I replace the ganache with frosting?

• Absolutely. You can use chocolate buttercream or any frosting you prefer. However, ganache complements the cake’s richness beautifully.

4. What can I use if I don’t have hot water?

• Hot water helps intensify the cocoa flavor, but you can use hot coffee instead, which adds a subtle depth of flavor to the chocolate.

5. How do I prevent cherries from sinking in the batter?

• Toss the cherries lightly in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This can help keep them suspended as the cake bakes.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cake

1. Use Good-Quality Cocoa Powder: A high-quality cocoa powder will give the cake a richer flavor and darker color.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and an even-textured cake.
3. Fold Gently: When adding cherries to the batter, fold them in gently to avoid crushing and releasing too much juice.
4. Allow Cake to Cool Completely: Before pouring ganache, make sure the cake has cooled to avoid melting the ganache.
5. For Thicker Ganache: If you prefer a thicker ganache layer, refrigerate the ganache for a few minutes until it firms up slightly, then spread it over the cake.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
3. Reheating: For a warm slice, microwave for 10-15 seconds. This can revive the rich chocolate flavor and slightly melt the ganache.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache is a decadent treat that combines deep, rich chocolate flavors with the bright sweetness of cherries. This cake’s soft texture and contrasting ganache topping make it a luxurious dessert perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Fresh cherries provide a unique twist on a classic chocolate cake, making each slice a delightful balance of flavors. With its rich, moist texture and ganache topping, this cake will satisfy both chocolate and cherry lovers.