There's something so comforting about a simple homemade cake, especially when it brings together two timeless favorites-chocolate cherry cake. It's rich, moist, and full of that chocolatey goodness we all love, balanced with the sweet, juicy flavor of cherries.
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The best part? This recipe is easy enough for beginners and quick enough for a weeknight dessert, but still impressive enough to serve at a party. If you like this one, you might also enjoy my Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe for another crowd-pleaser.
Why you'll love this chocolate cherry cake
- Super simple - starts with a boxed cake mix, but no one will ever know.
- Rich and moist - the cherry pie filling keeps it soft and tender.
- Chocolate frosting from scratch - a glossy, homemade frosting that takes it over the top.
- Perfect for any gathering - from birthdays to Sunday dinner.
Ingredients you'll need
For the cake:
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 3 large eggs
For the frosting:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 5 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prep your pan and oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan so the cake doesn't stick.
Step 2: Mix the cake batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and eggs. Stir until everything is well blended. The batter will be thick and glossy. Pour into your prepared pan.
Step 3: Bake the cake
Bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 4: Make the frosting
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and milk. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Let it cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in the chocolate chips until smooth and shiny.
Step 5: Frost and serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Tips for success
- Let the cake cool fully before frosting-otherwise, the frosting will slide off.
- If you like extra texture, fold a handful of chopped walnuts into the cake batter.
- For a stronger cherry taste, drizzle a little cherry juice on top before frosting.
Variations to try
- Cupcakes: Bake in lined muffin tins for 18-20 minutes.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
- Extra chocolatey: Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top of the frosted cake.
- Festive twist: Add a few maraschino cherries on top of each slice for a pretty finish.
Storing and serving suggestions
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, covered.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.
- Freeze (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly, thaw overnight, then frost.
FAQ
Yes! Just pit and chop them, but you may want to add ½ cup sugar since pie filling is sweetened.
Absolutely. Bake the cake one day ahead and frost it the next day.
It's delicious on its own, but also amazing with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Add a splash of warm milk and stir until it's spreadable.
Recipes you may like
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Cake
A rich, moist, and incredibly easy chocolate cherry cake that starts with a boxed mix and ends in homemade decadence. Perfect for gatherings or a weeknight treat!
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup white sugar
- 5 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and eggs until well blended. Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Notes
Let cake cool completely before frosting. Add chopped walnuts for texture, or drizzle cherry juice for extra flavor. Top with maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 sliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 320Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 290mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 1gSugar: 28gProtein: 3g
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