This Cherry Chocolate Cake is a decadent treat that stays moist on its own, requiring no additional soaking. The unique method of rubbing sugar with cherries infuses the cake with a deep cherry flavor in every bite. The cake is enhanced with a touch of coffee and optional white chocolate pieces, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this cake for its rich, chocolatey flavor combined with the fresh taste of cherries. The process of rubbing the sugar with cherries before baking adds a depth of flavor that permeates the entire cake. The inclusion of coffee enhances the chocolate, making the cake even more indulgent. Plus, the cake stays perfectly moist without any additional steps, making it both simple and satisfying to make.
Perfect Occasion:
This cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to more special celebrations. It’s an ideal dessert to serve with coffee or tea, and its rich flavors make it a wonderful choice for a dinner party. The cherry and chocolate combination is timeless, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple chocolate glaze. You can also garnish the top with a few fresh cherries or small white chocolate curls for added elegance. Serve the cake on a decorative plate or cake stand to highlight its rich, inviting appearance.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup brewed coffee (hot, but not boiling)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet baking powder (approximately 2 teaspoons)
- 1 packet vanilla extract (approximately 2 teaspoons)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)
- White chocolate pieces (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cherry Sugar:
- In a bowl, combine 5 pitted cherries with the granulated sugar.
- Rub the cherries into the sugar using your hands until the sugar takes on a pink color from the cherry juice. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- Add the melted butter to the cherry sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the yogurt, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar, mixing until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour in the hot coffee and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Prepare the Cake for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and pour the batter into the pan.
- Scatter the remaining cherries over the top of the batter. If using, add small pieces of white chocolate as well.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Adjust the baking time as needed depending on your oven (the cake in this recipe took 64 minutes).
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan before removing it. Slice and serve, optionally garnished with powdered sugar, fresh cherries, or white chocolate curls.
Enjoy!
This Cherry Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and full of flavor, making it the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. The combination of cherries, cocoa, and a hint of coffee creates a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
