Name: Chocolate Cherry Cake with Homemade Icing
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 15 oz chocolate cake mix; 21 oz ( 1 can ) cherry pie filling; 3 eggs- room temp; 1 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened; 1 C Hershey cocoa powder; 3 1/2 C powdered sugar; 1/4 C heavy whipping cream; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp chocolate extract

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Looking for a dessert your family will love? Our Chocolate Cherry Cake with Homemade Icing can’t be overlooked. It’s rich, moist, and perfect for any occasion. Whether for birthdays or weekends, it’s always a hit. With simple steps, this cake can be easily made. The ingredients are likely already in your pantry. You’ll enjoy making something delicious and homemade.

Trying new dessert recipes can be so rewarding, especially when they’re easy to follow and taste incredible. Your family will adore the combination of cherries, chocolate, and sweet homemade icing.

No matter your cooking skill level, this recipe is totally doable. Moist cake recipes like this one make baking feel effortless. It’s all about creating joy and baking with love, right? Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll find this simple to whip up.

The step-by-step process keeps it from being overwhelming, and everyone gets to enjoy the delicious results. Your family will be so impressed, and you’ll love seeing their smiles with every bite!

Cherry-Flavored Treats

If you love cherries, you’re in for such a treat! All of these ideas combine richness and a pop of cherry in every bite! There is something for every cherry lover on the list!

With so many cherry-flavored treats to choose from, you’ll find something for every occasion and every craving.

Ingredients Needed To Make This Chocolate Cherry Cake with Homemade Icing

To make this Chocolate Cherry Cake with Homemade Icing, you’ll need just a handful of essential ingredients that bring out the cake’s rich, moist, and indulgent flavor. These ingredients are easy to find and work together to create a dessert your whole family will adore. Each item plays a special role in making this sweet treat extra delicious and memorable.

Ingredients and Why They Matter

chocolate cake mix
This is the base of the cake and ensures a consistent, rich chocolate flavor while keeping things simple and foolproof.
cherry pie filling
This adds sweetness, tangy cherry flavor, and moisture that makes every bite extra soft and irresistible.
eggs
Eggs help bind everything together and give the cake a fluffy, light texture. Room temperature eggs make mixing easier.
unsalted sweet cream butter
Butter adds richness and creaminess to the icing, making it incredibly smooth and indulgent.
Hershey cocoa powder
This gives the homemade icing its deep chocolate flavor, perfectly complementing the cake’s sweetness.
powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the icing to create that dreamy, creamy texture we all love.
heavy whipping cream
The cream adds lusciousness to the icing, ensuring it’s velvety and easy to spread over the cake.
pure vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor, tying everything together.
chocolate extract
This boosts the chocolate flavor in the icing, making it even more rich and decadent.

When these ingredients come together, the result is magical. The cherries bring a burst of fruitiness that balances the rich chocolate, while the cake stays perfectly moist and tender.

The homemade icing feels like a sweet, indulgent hug, tying it all together with its silky texture and bold flavor. Whether you’re baking for a birthday or just because, this combination ensures every bite is unforgettable!

Imagine the joy of surprising your family with a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also fills the house with the warm, comforting aroma of chocolate and cherries.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a moment waiting to happen. Picture yourself slicing into that soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake while everyone gathers around, eagerly waiting for their piece. It’s the kind of dessert that turns a regular evening into something a bit more special.

Plus, knowing you made it with love makes it even sweeter. Why wait for a special occasion when you can create unforgettable memories today? Bake it, and watch as it becomes everyone’s new favorite!

While you’re here, check out our list of 30 recipes using cherries. So good!!

Why is it important to use eggs at room tempature when baking a cake?

Using eggs at room temperature when baking a cake is important because it helps create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter. Room temperature eggs blend more easily with other ingredients, especially butter and sugar, which ensures a consistent texture throughout the cake. This also helps the cake rise better, as the batter traps air more effectively during mixing, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake. Plus, it prevents the batter from curdling, which can happen if cold eggs are added to warm or room-temperature ingredients. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final result!

Why do I need to use unsalted butter in this cake recipe?

Using unsalted butter in cake recipes gives you full control over the amount of salt in your dessert. Salted butter can vary in salt content depending on the brand, which might throw off the balance of flavors in your cake.

By starting with unsalted butter, you can add just the right amount of salt (if needed) to enhance the sweetness and other flavors without overpowering them. Plus, unsalted butter is often fresher since salt acts as a preservative, meaning you’re getting the best quality for your delicious homemade cake!

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Best Tips for Making Cake from Scratch:

There’s something magical about mixing simple ingredients and turning them into a delicious, homemade treat that brings smiles all around. But whether you’re a first-time baker or someone who’s whipped up dozens of cakes, there’s always room to learn a little more. That’s why I’ve put together some of my best tips to help you along the way.

Read the recipe thoroughly before starting. Make sure you understand each step and have all your ingredients and tools ready. This will save you from surprises halfway through.
Measure accurately. Baking is a science, so use measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients and a liquid measuring cup for wet ones. Level off dry ingredients with a knife to avoid overpacking.
Bring ingredients to room temperature. Items like butter, eggs, and milk mix better and create a smoother batter when not cold. It helps with even baking and better texture.
Don’t overmix the batter. Once you’ve combined the flour, mix just until it’s incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense or rubbery cake.
Sift your dry ingredients. Sifting flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder helps break up clumps and aerates the mixture, leading to a lighter, fluffier cake.
Use high-quality ingredients. Good quality vanilla extract, butter, and cocoa make a noticeable difference in flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the little extra splurge!
Grease and line your pans properly. Make sure the cake doesn’t stick by greasing the pan and adding parchment paper if needed. No one wants to lose half the cake when taking it out!
Preheat your oven. Always start with a hot oven, and use an oven thermometer if possible to ensure the temperature is accurate.
Don’t open the oven door too often. Opening the door lets out heat and can cause your cake to sink. Check it when the bake time is nearly up.
Test for doneness the right way. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. Avoid taking it out too soon to prevent a gooey center.
Cool the cake completely before icing. Warm cake will melt your frosting, so give it time to cool to room temperature for the best results.
Be patient. If something doesn’t go as planned, don’t worry! Baking takes practice, and even experienced bakers have “oops” moments. What matters most is baking with love and enjoying the process.

How do I store this cake to keep it fresh?

If your family is large like mine, this cake will be gone in one night. When celebrating we typically have a full house! But, if you have leftovers or you are making in a day in advance, yo keep your homemade cake fresh, follow these tips:

Cool it completely: Make sure the cake is fully cooled before storing it. Wrapping a warm cake can trap moisture and make it soggy.
Wrap it tightly: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the cake completely. This prevents it from drying out and protects it from absorbing odors in the fridge.
Use an airtight container: If possible, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container for an extra layer of protection.
Room temperature or fridge? If the cake doesn’t have perishable fillings or frosting (like cream cheese or whipped cream), you can store it at room temperature for 2-3 days. For cakes with perishable ingredients, refrigerate them to keep them safe and fresh.
Freeze for longer storage: If you want to keep the cake for more than a few days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze it. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

These steps will help your cake stay moist and delicious for as long as possible!

Chocolate Dessert Ideas

There’s a reason chocolate is considered the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, it’s indulgent, and it feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. Whether it’s dark, milk, or white, chocolate has an undeniable way of making every dessert feel special. If you love chocolate as much as we do, prepare to drool over these easy yet irresistible dessert ideas!

These chocolate desserts are more than just recipes; they’re little slices of happiness you can make at home. Now, it’s time to grab your mixing bowls, preheat the oven, and start creating some seriously delicious memories. There’s no sweeter way to celebrate your love for chocolate.