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Chocolate Cherry Cake

Quick & Simple Meals
This Chocolate Cherry Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert layered with boozy rum-soaked cherries and tangy cream cheese frosting. With deep chocolate flavor and a vibrant cherry filling, it’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that deserves a show-stopping cake.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cool + Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Batter

  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1½ cups white granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup dark cocoa powder
  • 2½ tsp baking powder
  • ⅛ tsp sea salt

For the Cherry Filling

  • 4 cups 1 lb fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
  • ½ cup golden rum
  • ¼ cup cold filtered water

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
  • 4 Tbsp reserved cherry syrup

To Decorate

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Fresh cherries

Instructions
 

  • Soak cherries in rum for 1 hour. Drain and save syrup.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Make cake batter and bake for 30 mins. Cool completely.
  • Make frosting and refrigerate.
  • Slice cakes, brush with syrup, layer with frosting and cherries. Stack and chill.
  • Frost top and sides. Garnish with chocolate and cherries. Serve.
  • See full steps with tips & photos → https://mischacrossing.com/chocolate-cherry-cake/

Notes

  • Cherries: If fresh cherries aren't available, use thawed frozen cherries—just drain well before using.
  • Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute cherry juice or water for rum.
  • Make Ahead: Bake cake layers and make frosting up to a day in advance. Assemble just before serving for best texture.