Sinfully Rich Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

A Decadent Indulgence That’ll Have You Swooning

Oh, you sweet-toothed scoundrels, have I got a treat for you today! Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized and your heart fluttering, because I’m about to share the recipe for a Chocolate Cherry Cake so sinfully rich, it’s practically criminal.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Chocolate and cherries? How original.” But trust me, my friends, this isn’t your average cherry-topped chocolate cake. No, this is a symphony of flavors that will have you questioning your life choices (in the best possible way, of course).

I can still remember the day I first stumbled upon this recipe. I was knee-deep in wedding cake orders, covered in flour and feeling like a frazzled mess, when a customer came in with a special request. “Jax,” they said, eyes shining with mischief, “I need something that’s going to make my husband go weak at the knees.” Challenge accepted, I thought, already mentally rifling through my recipe collection.

After some frantic searching and a few failed experiments (let’s just say there were some unfortunate chocolate-cherry incidents involving fire extinguishers), I landed on this decadent delight. The moment I took that first bite, I knew I had a winner on my hands. The rich, fudgy chocolate cake, the tart cherry filling, the silky-smooth chocolate ganache…it was a flavor explosion that left me weak in the knees, just like my customer’s husband.

And let me tell you, word of this cake spread like wildfire. Soon, I had people lining up out the door, begging for a slice of this sinful creation. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t take a certain pride in watching their eyes light up with joy as they sank their teeth into that first heavenly bite. It was like I had unlocked the secret to pure bliss, all wrapped up in a delectable package.

But enough about me and my cake-fueled adventures. I know what you’re really here for – the recipe! So, without further ado, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to crafting your own Sinfully Rich Chocolate Cherry Cake.

Ingredients and Preparation

To begin, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:
– 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon water

For the Chocolate Ganache:
– 12 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream

Now, let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until well blended.

4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Carefully stir in the boiling water, being careful not to overmix.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cherry filling. In a small saucepan, whisk together the cherry pie filling, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

8. For the ganache, place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

Assembling the Cake

1. Once the cakes and fillings are cooled, it’s time to assemble the masterpiece. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.

2. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the top of the first cake layer.

3. Top with the second cake layer.

4. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use an offset spatula to smooth the ganache and create a nice, even coverage.

5. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is set.

The Finishing Touches

Now, you might be tempted to just dive right in and devour this cake, but trust me, a little patience will be rewarded. Once the ganache is set, you can start to get creative with the decorations.

Consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even some fresh cherries on top. And if you’re feeling really fancy, you could even pipe some whipped cream rosettes around the edges.

But no matter how you choose to dress it up, this Sinfully Rich Chocolate Cherry Cake is sure to be the star of the show. Whether you’re serving it at a fancy dinner party or sneaking slices for yourself in the middle of the night, this cake is guaranteed to leave you in a state of pure bliss.

So, what are you waiting for, you rascals? Get baking and prepare to have your taste buds blown away!

And if you’re ever in the San Jose area, be sure to stop by my shop, Jax Cake Shop, to try a slice for yourself. I promise, it’s worth every sinful bite.