If there’s one cake that truly deserves the spotlight, it’s this Cherry and Dark Chocolate Cake. Rich, indulgent, and irresistibly moist, this cake combines juicy jarred cherries with deep, intense dark chocolate for a dessert that feels festive, luxurious, and completely unforgettable.
I originally baked this cake for the festive season, but life got busy and I never got the chance to share it. Now I finally am — because this cake is too good to keep hidden. And honestly? It doesn’t need a holiday to shine. One bite is enough to make any day feel special.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Cherry Chocolate Cake
- Made with jarred cherries – easy, accessible, and full of flavor
- Rich dark chocolate for an indulgent, bakery-style result
- Soft, moist crumb with bursts of juicy cherry in every bite
- Perfect for festive occasions, celebrations, or weekend baking
- Simple ingredients, impressive results
This is the kind of cake that feels elegant yet comforting — perfect with a cup of coffee, a glass of red wine, or as a show-stopping dessert for guests.
🍫 Cherry & Dark Chocolate Cake Recipe
📝 Ingredients
- 200 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa recommended)
- 120 g unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup jarred cherries, drained and halved
- 2 tbsp cherry juice or syrup (from the jar)
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C. Line a 20 cm (8-inch) cake tin with parchment paper.
- Melt the dark chocolate and butter together gently (over a water bath or in the microwave). Stir until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly fluffy.
- Add the melted chocolate mixture, vanilla extract, and cherry juice. Mix gently until combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, folding carefully to keep the batter light.
- Fold in the cherries, distributing them evenly through the batter.
- Pour into the prepared tin and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
✨ Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Add a dark chocolate ganache for extra indulgence
- Pair with coffee, espresso, or dessert wine
🎄 A Festive Cake You’ll Bake All Year Round
Although I first made this cherry chocolate cake during the festive season, it’s one of those recipes that works beautifully all year long. The cherries add brightness, the dark chocolate brings depth, and together they create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.
If you’re looking for a cherry and chocolate cake recipe that’s easy, impressive, and incredibly satisfying — this one is it.
