Introduction to Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake
Welcome to the world of indulgence with my Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake! This dessert is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those days when you need a little pick-me-up. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this cake is your go-to solution. It’s quick to whip up, and the layers of rich chocolate and sweet cherries will impress your loved ones. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this cake is a favorite in my kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake
This Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake is a dream come true for busy home cooks like me. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a showstopper at any gathering, making it the perfect dessert to impress friends and family without breaking a sweat!
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Devil’s food cake mix: This is the star of the show! You can use a box mix for convenience or whip up your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These are the usual suspects listed on the cake mix box. They help bring the cake to life, adding moisture and richness.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a luscious, creamy texture to the filling. It’s the secret to that delightful richness!
- Powdered sugar: This sweetener helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese, creating a smooth and fluffy filling.
- Whipped topping: Think Cool Whip! This light and airy ingredient makes the filling extra fluffy and adds a lovely sweetness.
- Cherry pie filling: The cherry topping is what makes this cake truly special. It’s sweet, tart, and oh-so-delicious!
- Optional maraschino cherries: For those who want to take it up a notch, these cherries make a fun and colorful garnish.
- Optional garnishes: Drizzling chocolate syrup or adding whipped cream swirls can elevate your cake to bakery-level perfection!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Let’s kick things off by preparing the chocolate cake! Start by following the instructions on the box of devil’s food cake mix. Mix in the eggs, oil, and water as directed. Once everything is combined, divide the batter evenly between two round 9-inch pans. Bake them in a preheated oven until a toothpick comes out clean. This usually takes about 30 minutes. When they’re done, let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack. Trust me, the aroma of chocolate will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste!
Step 2: Make the Cream Filling
Now, let’s create that dreamy cream filling! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving that rich texture. Once combined, gently fold in the whipped topping. This will add a lightness to the filling, making it fluffy and delightful. The mixture should be a beautiful, creamy consistency that you’ll want to dive into with a spoon. Just imagine how good this will taste between those layers of chocolate cake!
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
It’s time to bring our Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake to life! Start by placing one layer of the cooled chocolate cake on a serving plate. Spread half of the cream filling over the top, making sure to cover it evenly. Next, spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cream layer. This is where the magic happens! Carefully place the second layer of cake on top. Finish by spreading the remaining cream filling and topping it with the rest of the cherries. Your cake is looking fabulous already, and it’s not even done yet!
Step 4: Chill the Cake
Now, let’s give our cake some time to set. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or even overnight if you can wait! Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing easier. Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it!
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Finally, it’s time for the grand finale! Drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top of the cake for that extra touch of decadence. You can also add whipped cream swirls and a few maraschino cherries for a pop of color. Your Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake is now ready to impress everyone at the table!
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality chocolate cake mix for a richer flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before assembling to prevent melting the cream filling.
- Chill the cake overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on your taste—get creative!
- Keep a spatula handy for smooth spreading of the cream filling.
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pans: You can use any round pans you have, but non-stick is best.
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing the cake batter and a medium bowl for the cream filling.
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer works great, but a whisk can do the job too—just be ready for a workout!
- Spatula: Essential for spreading the cream filling evenly.
- Wire rack: Perfect for cooling the cakes completely before assembly.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Fruit Twist: Swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruits like raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the cream filling for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Healthier Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese to reduce fat while keeping the creaminess.
- Vegan Delight: Use a vegan chocolate cake mix and replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, like cashew cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for added creaminess.
- For drinks, a rich coffee or a glass of cold milk complements the cake perfectly.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
- Present on a beautiful cake stand to elevate its visual appeal at gatherings.
FAQs about Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love using devil’s food cake mix for its rich flavor, you can experiment with any chocolate cake mix you prefer. Just make sure it’s a flavor you enjoy!
How long can I store the Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake?
This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it well to keep it fresh. The flavors actually get better as it sits!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance is a great idea. It allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to keep it chilled!
What can I substitute for the whipped topping?
If you prefer a homemade touch, you can whip up some heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract. It’ll give you that same light and fluffy texture!
Is this Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This cake is vegetarian-friendly, as it doesn’t contain any meat or meat by-products. Just double-check your cake mix and whipped topping for any hidden ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake is more than just baking; it’s about crafting a moment of joy. Each layer tells a story, from the rich chocolate cake to the creamy filling and sweet cherry topping. I love how this dessert brings people together, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a cozy family dinner. The smiles and satisfied sighs that follow each slice are what make it all worthwhile. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let this cake be the highlight of your next gathering. Trust me, it’s a slice of happiness on a plate!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake is your perfect indulgence!
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Cherry Delight Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines layers of chocolate cake, creamy filling, and sweet cherry topping, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix (or your favorite chocolate cake recipe)
- Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 package (8 oz / 225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tub (8 oz / 225 g) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
- Optional: ¼ cup maraschino cherries for garnish
- Optional Garnish: Chocolate syrup drizzle, Whipped cream swirls, Extra cherries on top
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package directions. Divide into two round 9-inch pans and bake. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until creamy and fluffy.
- Place one layer of chocolate cake on a plate. Spread half of the cream layer on top. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cream. Add the second cake layer. Top with remaining cream, then the rest of the cherries.
- Refrigerate for 2–3 hours (or overnight) to set the layers perfectly.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with whipped cream swirls and cherries for a bakery-style finish.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality chocolate cake mix.
- Let the cake chill overnight for the best texture.
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
