Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake Recipe
Get ready to swoon, because Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake is about to become your new go-to dessert for celebrations, potlucks, or desperately needed Tuesday pick-me-ups. Imagine a deeply chocolatey, ultra-moist cake crowned with glistening cherries and sealed in with a glossy fudge ganache—each bite basically delivers a love letter to your taste buds. This showstopper is indulgent, yes, but surprisingly easy to throw together, making it as perfect for impressing guests as it is for treating yourself after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need a mile-long shopping list to create this decadent masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—some lend richness, others boost moisture, and a few provide that burst of fruitiness or fudge factor that makes Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: This is our dependable base, ensuring the cake holds together beautifully without drying out.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens every layer and draws out those deep chocolate notes.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Lends an irresistibly rich, dark chocolate flavor you can really taste in every forkful.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Together, these give our cake the perfect rise and a tender crumb.
- Salt: Just a touch to sharpen all the chocolate and cherry flavors so nothing falls flat.
- Eggs: Binding agents that also create that luxurious, fudgy texture we all crave.
- Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and keeps the crumb moist and tender.
- Vegetable oil: Locks in softness, ensuring no dry bites here!
- Pure vanilla extract: Balances the cocoa and brings out the best in the cherries and cake alike.
- Hot water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder for a deep, chocolaty punch and thins the batter for optimal texture.
- Cherry pie filling: Sweet, jammy cherries layer on juicy, vibrant flavor and an eye-catching color.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The foundation of our ganache–they melt smoothly for that iconic glossy finish.
- Heavy cream: When whisked with chocolate, this creates a luscious, shiny ganache that brings it all together.
- Fresh cherries (optional): For a gorgeous, juicy finishing touch and instant wow factor.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Set the right stage for your Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your 9×13-inch baking pan a good grease and dusting of flour. This ensures your cake slides out effortlessly and keeps every edge tender and intact.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick step means every bite will have a well-blended, even flavor and soft texture. Take a second to appreciate the heady aroma as the cocoa hits the bowl!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Blend
Crack in those eggs, add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until everything comes together in a satiny, almost mousse-like batter.
Step 4: Incorporate Hot Water
Slowly pour hot water into the batter, mixing steadily. The batter will seem runny, but that’s the secret to this cake’s super-moist, fudge-like crumb. You’ll see it pays off in the most delicious way.
Step 5: Bake
Pour that chocolatey river into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or just until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to overbake—this keeps the texture dreamy.
Step 6: Cherry Layer
Once the cake has cooled for a few minutes but is still slightly warm, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top. The warmth helps those cherries settle in for maximum flavor integration.
Step 7: Make and Add Ganache
To crown your Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake, heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Wait a minute or two, then stir until silky smooth. Pour this gorgeous ganache over the cherry layer and spread it gently so every bite is cloaked in chocolate luxury.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Let the entire cake cool completely so the ganache sets to a glossy finish. Top with fresh cherries, if you like, for a fun pop of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors beneath.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake
Garnishes
Dress up each slice by scattering fresh cherries on top or dusting lightly with cocoa powder. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a few chocolate curls or a cloud of whipped cream never hurt anyone—these touches make the presentation irresistible!
Side Dishes
This cake is decadent enough to stand alone, but a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can offer a perfect contrast to all that fudge and cherry goodness. If you prefer something lighter, a fruit salad with berries and a touch of mint will keep the dessert course bright and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
While a classic square cut is always crowd-pleasing, you can also slice the Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake into rounds using a large cookie cutter for a playful twist. For parties, try serving mini portions in decorative cupcake liners, or layer cubes of cake with extra cherries and whipped cream in mason jars for a show-stopping trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It holds beautifully, with the flavors melding and deepening over time—if you can resist sneaking seconds!
Freezing
To freeze, let the cake cool fully, then wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for another round of chocolate-cherry bliss.
Reheating
For best results, allow refrigerated slices to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving. If you’d like your Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake slightly warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will reawaken the fudgy magic—just don’t overdo it, or the ganache will melt.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you love the flavor of homemade cherry pie filling, go for it. The freshness and slight tartness can add a beautiful balance to the cake’s richness.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use in place of the buttermilk.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure), and you’ll be good to go.
Can I bake this cake in a round pan?
Definitely. Divide the batter between two 9-inch round pans for a classic layer cake feel. Just be sure to adjust the baking time—check for doneness around 25-28 minutes.
How do I store the ganache if I have leftovers?
If you have any extra ganache (lucky you!), keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s delicious drizzled over ice cream, fruit, or spread between cookies.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a lifelong chocolate fiend or a cherry lover at heart, Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake will make your dessert dreams come true. Every step delivers maximum flavor, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine. I hope you treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two)—I have a feeling this cake will become a beloved favorite in your home, too!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake. A moist chocolate cake topped with luscious cherry filling and a silky chocolate ganache, this dessert is a true delight for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
Cherry Filling:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until combined.
- Add Hot Water: Slowly add hot water and mix until smooth.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spread cherry pie filling over slightly cooled cake.
- Make Ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth.
- Top Cake: Pour ganache over cherry layer.
- Chill: Let cake cool until ganache sets. Garnish with cherries if desired.
Notes
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
