Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake

Indulge in the decadent allure of a Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake, a dessert that masterfully marries rich chocolate layers with the bright, fruity sweetness of maraschino cherries. This show-stopping cake features moist chocolate sponge infused with a touch of hot coffee for depth and soaked with luscious maraschino cherry juice to enhance its flavor. A silky ganache made from heavy cream and semi-sweet chocolate envelops each layer, while finely chopped cherries add bursts of fruitiness in every bite. Topped with whole maraschino cherries for a striking presentation, this cake is perfect for special occasions or as a centerpiece dessert. Whether you're a fan of chocolate, cherries, or both, this easy-to-follow recipe promises a stunning cake that tastes as decadent as it looks.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 2 units large eggs
• 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee
• 20 units maraschino cherries (with stems, for garnish)
• 0.75 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 0.75 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)

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 bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed. Once combined, slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).

Step 5

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

Step 6

Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.

Step 7

While the cakes cool, prepare the ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour it over the chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy.

Step 8

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread 1/4 cup of maraschino cherry juice over the top of the layer to soak in. Then, spread a thin layer of ganache evenly over the cake.

Step 9

Chop 10 maraschino cherries finely and sprinkle them over the ganache layer.

Step 10

Place the second cake layer on top, repeating the process by soaking it with 1/4 cup of cherry juice before spreading ganache over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 11

Decoratively arrange the remaining whole maraschino cherries (with stems) around the top of the cake.

Step 12

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2296.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5925.6

Total Fat 278.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 116.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.7g
Cholesterol 640.8mg	0%
Sodium 5430.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 899.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 82.1g	0%
Total Sugars 577.1g
Protein 92.2g	0%

Vitamin D 220.9IU	0%
Calcium 604.5mg	0%
Iron 45.9mg	0%
Potassium 3604.0mg	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: 38.7%

Protein: 5.7%

Carbs: 55.6%