Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake 🍒🍫✨

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with the sweet, juicy burst of cherries, this Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Moist chocolate cake layers meet a luscious cherry filling and smooth chocolate ganache, creating a dessert that’s pure decadence on a plate.

It’s the kind of cake that steals the show at birthdays, holidays, or romantic dinners — and it tastes every bit as heavenly as it looks.

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Why You’ll Love This Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake

🍒 Chocolate + Cherry Perfection: The classic flavor pairing never disappoints — rich, dark cocoa meets bright, fruity cherries.
🍫 Moist & Tender: A touch of oil and buttermilk keeps the cake irresistibly soft.
🍰 Decadent Layers: Cherry filling in the center and silky ganache on top make each bite melt in your mouth.
🎂 Beautiful Presentation: Glossy ganache, juicy cherries, and a light dusting of chocolate shavings give it that bakery-worthy look.
💖 Easy to Make: Despite looking fancy, it’s simple enough for home bakers to master.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

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For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries + ½ cup sugar + 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp lemon juice (cooked until thickened)

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For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chips or chopped bar)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for shine)

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Optional Garnishes:

• Whipped cream
• Fresh cherries (with stems for decoration)
• Chocolate shavings or curls

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How to Make Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

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

In another bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Pour in hot coffee (or water) and whisk until the batter is smooth and glossy.

The batter will be thin — that’s what makes the cake so moist!

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Step 2: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

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

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Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling

If using canned cherry pie filling — it’s ready to go!

If making it from scratch:
In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
Allow to cool completely before layering the cake.

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Step 4: Make the Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until it just begins to simmer (don’t boil).
Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2–3 minutes.
Whisk until smooth and glossy, then stir in butter.
Let cool slightly until thickened but still pourable.

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Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread a generous layer of cherry filling over the top.
Add the second cake layer gently on top.

Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for that irresistible glossy finish.

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Step 6: Decorate

Once the ganache is slightly set, top with fresh cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing to help the layers firm up.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake

🍫 Use real cocoa: High-quality unsweetened cocoa makes a huge difference in flavor.
🍒 Drain the cherries well: Too much liquid can make your cake soggy.
🎂 Chill before cutting: It helps you get clean, beautiful slices.
☕ Add espresso powder: A teaspoon in the batter deepens the chocolate flavor.
🥣 Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined for a tender, fluffy crumb.

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Flavor Variations

🍓 Black Forest Style: Add a splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the cherry filling for a grown-up twist.
🥥 Coconut Cherry Dream: Add shredded coconut to the batter or top with coconut flakes.
🍫 Triple Chocolate: Use dark, milk, and white chocolate curls for garnish.
🍧 Mini Cakes: Make in cupcake tins or mini bundt pans for individual servings.

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Storage Instructions

🧊 Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze slices (without whipped cream topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Serve chilled or slightly at room temperature — the flavors are incredible either way!

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Nutrition Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 34g

(Values vary depending on ingredients and toppings used.)

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Why This Cake Is a True Dream Dessert

This Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is more than just dessert — it’s an experience. Every bite combines the richness of velvety chocolate cake, the brightness of tart cherries, and the smooth silkiness of ganache. It’s indulgent but balanced, decadent yet comforting.

It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature showstopper dessert!

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🍒 Final Thoughts

The Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake truly lives up to its name — a dreamy, luscious masterpiece that celebrates everything wonderful about chocolate and cherries together. Moist, glossy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a dessert that makes any moment feel special.

So go ahead — bake this beauty, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and enjoy a slice of pure bliss. ❤️🍫🍒

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