Introduction
Indulge in this rich and luxurious chocolate cherry layer cake that’s perfect for any celebration. The combination of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry jam, and fluffy whipped cream makes every bite a heavenly experience.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the cake:
– 220 g all-purpose flour
– 75 g unsweetened cocoa powder
– 300 g sugar
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 0.5 tsp baking powder
– 0.5 tsp salt
– 2 large eggs
– 240 ml milk
– 120 ml vegetable oil
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 240 ml boiling water
For the filling and garnish:
– 240 ml heavy cream, whipped
– 120 g cherry jam
– Fresh cherries and berries for garnish
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
To make this decadent chocolate cherry layer cake, begin by preheating your oven to 175°C and greasing two 9-inch cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Next, add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Carefully stir in the boiling water, noting that the batter will be thin.
Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely.
Once cooled, take one cake layer and spread a layer of cherry jam followed by whipped cream. Place the second layer on top to create your chocolate cherry masterpiece.
For an elegant finish, garnish with fresh cherries and berries. Slice it up and enjoy your decadent creation!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). While the oven is heating, take a couple of 9-inch round cake pans and generously grease them to ensure your cake layers release easily after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly blended, and you can see the lovely rich cocoa color.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the large eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend these ingredients until the batter is smooth and well combined, creating a delightful chocolate aroma.
Step 4: Add Boiling Water
Carefully stir in 240 ml of boiling water to the mixture. This will make the batter quite thin, but don’t worry! This step is crucial for a moist cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Once cooled, gently remove each cake layer from the pans. Take one layer and spread a generous layer of cherry jam over the top. Next, add a fluffy layer of whipped cream on top of the jam.
Step 7: Finish the Layering
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the first one, aligning it nicely. This will create a beautiful chocolate cherry layer cake that oozes richness.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
To finish, garnish the top with fresh cherries and a scattering of berries for a beautiful presentation. Slice the cake into portions and enjoy the decadent combination of flavors!
Notes
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about three days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days to savor the fluffy whipped cream.
Cake Texture
The chocolate cake should be moist and soft, complemented by the sweetness of the cherry jam and the lightness of the whipped cream.
Ideal Serving
For an extra touch, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and additional fresh cherries on the side. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Cook techniques
Measuring ingredients properly
To ensure accuracy, use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder. For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup. This precision will lead to consistent results.
Mixing wet and dry ingredients
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake. A few small lumps are okay.
Incorporating boiling water
Adding boiling water helps to dissolve the cocoa powder and creates a smoother batter. Be cautious while stirring, as the batter will be thin.
Leveling the cake layers
Once cooled, use a serrated knife to trim the tops of the cake layers if they have domed. This will allow for even stacking and a more professional appearance.
Whipping cream
To achieve fluffy whipped cream, start with cold heavy cream and whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or it will turn grainy.
Layering the cake
For a more stable cake, spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the first layer before adding cherry jam. This will help the jam to adhere better.
Garnishing
When garnishing with fresh cherries and berries, arrange them artfully on top for a beautiful presentation. Consider using a mix of whole and halved fruits.
FAQ
Can I use other fruit jams instead of cherry jam?
Yes, you can substitute cherry jam with other fruit jams like raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry, depending on your taste preference.
How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What can I do if my cake layers are too dry?
If the layers are dry, you can brush them with simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar boiled until dissolved) before adding fillings.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cake gluten-free. Just ensure baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I make the whipped cream stable for longer?
You can add a stabilizer such as powdered sugar or cornstarch to the whipped cream, or use a commercial whipped cream stabilizer.
What if I don’t have two cake pans?
If you only have one cake pan, bake the layers one at a time, allowing the pan to cool completely before pouring in the next batch of batter.
Conclusion
This Decadent Chocolate Cherry Layer Cake is not only a visual masterpiece but also a delightful treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The moist chocolate layers paired with the sweet cherry jam and fluffy whipped cream create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal dessert for celebrations or a special indulgence. Enjoy every luscious bite of this heavenly cake!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake
Swap out the cherry jam for raspberry preserves and add fresh raspberries between the layers for a tangy twist.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Incorporate Nutella into the whipped cream filling and decorate with chopped hazelnuts for a nutty flavor enhancement.
Cherry Almond Cake
Add almond extract to the cake batter and use almond slices as a garnish, complementing the cherry jam beautifully.
Red Velvet Cherry Cake
Integrate red velvet cake layers with cherry jam and cream cheese frosting for a vibrant and delicious alternative.
Chocolate and Orange Zest Cake
Infuse the cake batter with orange zest and fill with chocolate ganache to create a rich, citrusy flavor profile.
Black Forest Cake
Use layers of chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, and whipped cream, topped with chocolate shavings for a classic dessert experience.
