Chocolate Cherry Christmas Cake Recipe 🍒🎄

The holiday season is a time to indulge in festive flavors and share delicious treats with loved ones. One dessert that perfectly encapsulates the magic of Christmas is a Chocolate Cherry Christmas Cake. The rich, decadent chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of cherries, creating a dessert that is both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and create a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients 📝

To start, let’s gather the ingredients needed to create this festive cake. We’ll break it down into the components of the cake itself, the cherry filling, the luxurious chocolate ganache, and some optional decorations to give it that perfect finishing touch.

the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (preferably sifted for a smoother batter) 🥣
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature for better mixing) 🧈
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (preferably at room temperature) 🍳
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk 🥛
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drained to avoid excess liquid) 🍒
• ¼ cup cherry juice or syrup (reserved from the cherries)

the Cherry Filling:

• 1 ½ cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted 🍒
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for a tangy kick) 🍋

the Chocolate Ganache:

• 8 oz dark chocolate (or milk chocolate, depending on your preference) 🍫
• 1 cup heavy cream 🧴
• 2 tbsp butter 🧈

Decoration:

• Additional maraschino cherries or fresh cherries 🍒
• Shaved chocolate or chocolate curls for a touch of elegance 🍫

Instructions 📜

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get started on making the Chocolate Cherry Christmas Cake. The process is quite simple, and with a little time and attention, you’ll have a stunning dessert to serve. Follow these steps closely for the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter 🍰

First things first, let’s prepare the cake batter. The key to a perfect cake is the right balance of dry and wet ingredients, so be sure to follow these instructions carefully.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure an even bake. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will help the cakes come out easily after baking. 🏠
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will give the cake structure and balance out the richness of the chocolate.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The fluffy texture helps the cake rise properly.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each one before adding the next. This will help your batter stay smooth and avoid any lumps. Add the vanilla extract and mix until evenly distributed. 🍮
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start with a little flour mixture, then a bit of milk, and continue until everything is incorporated. This will prevent the batter from curdling. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Lastly, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and cherry juice or syrup. The cherries will add bursts of color and flavor to every bite. 🍒

Step 2: Bake the Cake 🍰

1. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You can also gently press the top of the cake to see if it springs back, which is a sign that it’s ready.
3. Once the cakes are done, remove from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to avoid a soggy cake when you assemble it.

Step 3: Make the Cherry Filling 🍒

While the cakes are cooling, you can prepare the cherry filling. This step will add a burst of flavor and juiciness between the layers.

1. In a saucepan, combine fresh or canned cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. The cornstarch will help thicken the mixture, and the lemon juice will brighten up the flavors.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy. This should take about 5 minutes. If you prefer a chunkier filling, you can pulse the cherries in a blender briefly before adding them to the pan.
3. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature before assembling the cake. You don’t want the filling to melt the cake layers.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache 🍫

The chocolate ganache is the crown jewel of this cake. Its silky texture and glossy finish will elevate the dessert and make it irresistible.

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. You don’t want it to boil, just enough to warm it up.
2. Pour the cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a minute so the heat from the cream can melt the chocolate.
3. After a minute, stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. Add the butter and stir until fully combined. The butter will give the ganache a silky texture and a shiny finish. Allow it to cool slightly before using it to cover the cake.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake 🎂

1. Place one layer of the cooled cake onto your serving plate. This will be the base for the cherry filling and ganache.
2. Spread the cherry filling generously over the first layer. Be sure to cover the entire surface for a uniform flavor in every bite. 🍒
3. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, making sure it’s aligned properly.
4. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth the top if necessary. The ganache should cover the entire cake, creating a glossy, decadent finish.
5. Decorate with additional maraschino cherries and shaved chocolate or chocolate curls for an extra touch of elegance. You can even add edible gold dust for a luxurious holiday look. ✨

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy 🎉

Allow the cake to set for about 30 minutes to an hour so that the ganache firms up slightly. This makes it easier to slice and serve. When ready, cut into slices and enjoy the rich, indulgent layers of chocolate, cherry, and silky ganache.

Nutrition Information 📊

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per slice of the Chocolate Cherry Christmas Cake (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Sugars: 36g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 2mg

While this cake is indulgent, it’s perfect for special occasions like Christmas, where you can treat yourself and your loved ones to something sweet and unforgettable. 😊

Internal Linking Opportunities 🔗

1. Beet-Carrot-Apple Juice: A Powerful Blend of Nature’s Goodness
2. Lambrusco Spritz Recipe.

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