If there was ever a dessert that could steal the spotlight at any gathering, it’s the Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake. This rich, indulgent cake combines the luxurious taste of moist chocolate cake with the sweet, tangy flavor of cherries — and the result is pure dessert magic.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or just craving something decadent, this cake lives up to its dreamy name. Each layer is moist, fudgy, and perfectly balanced with creamy frosting and luscious cherry filling.
Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake that tastes just as heavenly as it looks.
🍫 What Is Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake?
This dessert is exactly what it sounds like — a dream come true for chocolate and cherry lovers. It starts with a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with cherry pie filling and creamy frosting, often topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and maraschino cherries.
It’s like a cross between Black Forest cake and chocolate fudge cake, but easier to make and every bit as delicious. The combination of deep chocolate flavor and juicy cherries makes each bite unforgettable.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Cake
There’s a reason this cake is a crowd favorite. Here’s what makes it special:
- 🍫 Moist and fudgy — the perfect chocolate base.
- 🍒 Sweet and tangy cherry flavor that cuts through the richness.
- 🧁 Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- 🎂 Beautiful presentation — looks like it came from a bakery.
- 💕 Perfect for any occasion — from holidays to dinner parties.
This dessert is equal parts comforting and elegant — a true showstopper.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make this gorgeous cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box devil’s food chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract (optional but enhances flavor)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Maraschino cherries
- Chocolate shavings or drizzle
👩🍳 How to Make Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake
This recipe is wonderfully simple — no fancy mixers or techniques required!
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two round 9-inch pans if you’d like a layered cake.
In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, almond extract, and cherry pie filling. The cherries will add moisture and texture, creating a lusciously thick batter.
Do not use a mixer — gently stir by hand until well combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Frosting
In a small saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Immediately stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
Let the frosting cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
Spread the warm chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled cake. The frosting will set as it cools, creating a rich, glossy chocolate layer.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Top your Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and maraschino cherries for the ultimate presentation.
🍒 Tips for the Best Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake
- Don’t overmix the batter — gently fold until combined to keep the cake moist.
- Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use almond extract for a deeper cherry flavor (trust us, it’s worth it!).
- Double the frosting if you love an extra chocolatey finish.
- Add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for more texture.
🍰 Serving Suggestions
This cake is rich and decadent, so a small slice goes a long way. Serve it with:
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream
- A cup of coffee or espresso
- A drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce
🧊 Storage Tips
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze:
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight before frosting.
Pro Tip:
For best flavor, let the cake come to room temperature before serving — it brings out the cherry and chocolate notes beautifully.
🍫 Variations You’ll Love
- Black Forest Style: Add a splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) and layer with whipped cream for a European twist.
- Triple Chocolate Cherry Cake: Use chocolate pudding mix in the batter and add chocolate chunks for even more richness.
- Layer Cake Version: Split into two 9-inch layers, fill with whipped cream and cherry filling between layers, then frost the top.
- Mini Cupcake Version: Turn this recipe into bite-sized cherry chocolate cupcakes for parties or dessert trays.
🍒 Why This Cake Is a “Dream”
The name says it all — Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The moist chocolate cake melts in your mouth, the cherries add a tangy sweetness, and the fudge frosting ties it all together with velvety richness.
It’s a dessert that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. Every bite delivers a nostalgic, comforting taste that makes you close your eyes and smile.
Whether you’re baking it for a family dinner, holiday feast, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake guarantees compliments and empty plates.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
A: Yes! Simmer fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened, then cool before using.
Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Absolutely. Try dark chocolate, fudge, or even red velvet for fun twists.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake the cake a day in advance and frost before serving.
Q: Can I use whipped topping instead of frosting?
A: Definitely — it makes the cake lighter and gives it a refreshing finish.
🍒 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts elegant, easy, and utterly delicious, this Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is it. The combination of fudgy chocolate, juicy cherries, and creamy frosting makes it an unforgettable treat that everyone will ask for again and again.
It’s indulgent without being complicated — a true dream dessert that brings smiles to every table. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that’s as stunning as it is satisfying.
Every bite is pure cherry-chocolate bliss! 🍫🍒✨
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Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake: A Decadent Dessert Worth Every Bite
Ingredients
For the cake:
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water (enhances chocolate flavor)
For the cherry filling:
• 1 can (14 oz) cherry pie filling (or homemade: 2 cups cherries + ¼ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarch, cooked & cooled)
• Optional: 1 tsp almond extract
For the frosting:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 2–3 tbsp cherry juice (from pie filling) or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans or line with parchment.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes.
- Stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin). Pour into pans and smooth tops.
- Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- Make the frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, cherry juice, vanilla, and salt. Whip until light and fluffy. Add more liquid if needed.
- Assemble: Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread with cherry filling, leaving a border. Top with second layer. Frost top and sides.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cherries or chocolate shavings. Chill 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
✨ Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for chocolate-cherry bliss!
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 25 mins , Cook Time : 35 mins , Total Time : 2 hrs (includes cooling) , Servings : 12 slices , Calories : 380 , Net Carbs: 50g , Fats: 18g , Protein: 5g