Decadent Cherry Chocolate Cream Cake
This Decadent Cherry Chocolate Cream Cake is a show-stopping dessert perfect for celebrating love on Valentine's Day. With rich chocolate layers, velvety cream cheese frosting, and luscious cherry pie filling, this cake doesn't just look beautiful, but it tastes divine. Baked in delightful heart-shaped pans, the cake is both visually stunning and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for that special day. The sweetness of the cake, combined with the tartness of the cherries, and the luxurious creaminess of the frosting create a wonderful balance that will leave your loved ones swooning. This recipe takes time and care, but the resulting celebration of flavors and textures is worth every moment spent in the kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened, no substitutions)
sugar
2 cups
eggs
2
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
flour
2 cups
baking cocoa
3 tablespoons
baking cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons (for dusting)
baking soda
1 teaspoon
buttermilk
1/2 cup
water
1 cup
vegetable oil
1/2 cup
cream cheese
16 ounces (softened)
sugar
2/3 cup
heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup
almond extract
1/4 teaspoon
cherry pie filling
21 ounces (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch heart-shaped baking pans, or line with parchment paper for easier removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking cocoa, and baking soda.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until blended.
6
Slowly incorporate water and vegetable oil into the batter until smooth and well combined.
7
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans and smooth the tops.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
10
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until light and fluffy.
11
Add the heavy whipping cream and almond extract to the mixture, then beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
12
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving dish and spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the top.
13
Refrigerate the first layer for 10 minutes to set slightly.
14
Spread 1 cup of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese mixture, then gently place the second layer of cake on top.
15
Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top layer of the cake.
16
Using a knife, create a heart-shaped indentation in the center of the top layer and fill it with any remaining cherry pie filling.
17
Refrigerate the assembled cake until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Cherry Chocolate Cream Cake?
It is a rich, show-stopping dessert featuring chocolate layers, cream cheese frosting, and luscious cherry pie filling, specifically designed for romantic occasions.
What makes this cake ideal for Valentine's Day?
The cake is baked in heart-shaped pans and combines chocolate with cherries, creating a visually stunning and flavorful treat perfect for celebrating love.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the baking pans?
Grease and flour two 9-inch heart-shaped baking pans, or line them with parchment paper for easier cake removal.
Can I use a butter substitute in this recipe?
No, the recipe specifically requires 1/2 cup of softened butter with no substitutions.
How do I start the batter preparation?
Begin by creaming together the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How are the eggs incorporated?
Add the two eggs one at a time, beating the mixture well after each addition to ensure proper consistency.
What dry ingredients are needed for the chocolate cake layers?
You will need 2 cups of flour, 3 tablespoons of baking cocoa, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
What is the process for mixing dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the creamed mixture while alternating with 1/2 cup of buttermilk.
Are there any other liquids added to the batter?
Yes, after mixing the dry ingredients and buttermilk, slowly incorporate 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil until smooth.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake layers should bake for approximately 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
How can I tell if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the cooling process for the cake layers?
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of 16 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2/3 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract.
What flavor of extract is used in the frosting?
The frosting uses almond extract to provide a unique flavor that complements the cherries.
How is the first layer of the cake assembled?
Place one layer on a dish, spread half of the cream cheese frosting over it, and refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
When do I add the cherry pie filling?
After the first frosting layer has set for 10 minutes, spread 1 cup of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese mixture.
How is the second cake layer added?
Gently place the second cake layer on top of the cherry filling, then cover the top of that layer with the remaining frosting.
How do I create the heart decoration on top?
Use a knife to create a heart-shaped indentation in the frosting on the top layer and fill it with the remaining cherry pie filling.
Should the cake be served immediately after assembly?
No, the cake should be refrigerated until ready to serve to allow the flavors and textures to meld properly.
What is the total amount of cherry pie filling used?
The recipe calls for one 21-ounce container of cherry pie filling, which is divided between the middle layer and the top decoration.
Is vanilla extract used in this cake?
Yes, one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is mixed into the butter, sugar, and egg mixture.
What size heart pans are recommended?
The recipe specifies using 9-inch heart-shaped baking pans.
What is the purpose of the extra baking cocoa?
The recipe lists an additional 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking cocoa specifically for dusting purposes.
Is the cream cheese for the frosting supposed to be cold?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
Can I use heavy cream instead of buttermilk in the batter?
The recipe calls for buttermilk specifically to achieve the correct cake texture and flavor profile.
What is the texture of the frosting?
The frosting is described as velvety, smooth, and creamy due to the combination of cream cheese and heavy whipping cream.
How many cake layers does this recipe produce?
This recipe produces two heart-shaped chocolate cake layers.
Why is refrigeration recommended during assembly?
Refrigerating the first layer of frosting helps it firm up so it can better support the weight of the cherry filling and the second cake layer.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
The recipe takes time and care, but the resulting balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors is considered worth the effort.