Chocolate Cherry Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the irresistible decadence of this Chocolate Cherry Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting—a dessert that combines rich, moist chocolate cake with bursts of sweet, tart cherries for a flavor pairing that’s truly divine. This two-layer cake, made with cocoa-rich batter and a hint of buttermilk for extra tenderness, is folded with juicy canned cherries to create a luscious texture in every bite. Topped with a silky-smooth chocolate cream cheese frosting, this show-stopping dessert strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or a luxurious treat, this cake is easy to prepare and beautifully versatile—top with fresh cherries or chocolate shavings for an elegant finishing touch. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a special indulgence, this chocolate cherry cake is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.75 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
• 2 large Eggs
• 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup Boiling water
• 1.5 cups Canned cherries (in juice, drained)
• 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups Powdered sugar
• 0.25 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin—this is normal. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5

Fold in the drained cherries gently with a spatula.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

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

Step 9

For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until creamy and smooth.

Step 10

Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed at first to avoid a sugar cloud. Increase to medium speed until fully incorporated.

Step 11

Mix in the vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Step 12

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.

Step 13

Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 14

Optional: Decorate the cake with additional cherries or chocolate shavings.

Step 15

Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2636.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7361.4

Total Fat 333.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 150.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.7g
Cholesterol 908.3mg	0%
Sodium 6104.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1151.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 98.1g	0%
Total Sugars 824.9g
Protein 108.1g	0%

Vitamin D 267.2IU	0%
Calcium 945.6mg	0%
Iron 48.3mg	0%
Potassium 5005.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.3%

Protein: 5.4%

Carbs: 57.3%