Description
Hello, baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers! 🍒🍫 If you’re craving a cake that combines the richness of chocolate with the tartness of fresh cherries, you’re in for a real treat! Introducing the Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake, a delicious dessert that perfectly blends the lusciousness of dark chocolate ganache with the freshness of juicy cherries. This cake is not only a dream for your taste buds but also a great way to showcase your baking skills. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply treating yourself, this Cherry Chocolate Dream Cake is a must-try!
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
Ganache & Topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate ganache (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh cherries for decoration
Optional Substitutions:
- Allergen-friendly: Swap out the butter with dairy-free margarine, and use a plant-based milk like almond or soy in place of buttermilk.
- Dietary restrictions: For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cake Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake doesn’t stick to the pan and comes out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure even distribution of the leavening agents, making your cake light and fluffy.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the cake’s airy texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before moving on. Then, add the vanilla extract for a hint of flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with the flour mixture, then pour in some buttermilk, and repeat until both are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as everything is combined.
Step 5: Add Hot Water and Cherries
Stir in the hot water to create a smooth batter. The hot water helps to bloom the cocoa, intensifying the chocolate flavor. Gently fold in the halved cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Add the Ganache and Toppings
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the dark chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for an elegant finish. Garnish with fresh cherries for a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This allows for a smoother batter and ensures the cake will rise evenly.
- Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries provide the best flavor and texture. However, if cherries aren’t in season, you can use frozen cherries—just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.
- Ganache Consistency: If your ganache is too thick, microwave it in 10-second intervals until it reaches a pourable consistency. If it’s too runny, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to thicken.