Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Absolutely. Homemade cherry filling gives you control over the sweetness and texture, and fresh cherries taste incredible. Use about 2–2 ½ cups.

Can I make this cake without almond extract?

Yes! Replace it with vanilla extract or simply leave it out. However, almond pairs so well with cherries, it’s worth trying if you have it.

What if I only have a different size pan?

You can use two 8-inch rounds; just adjust the baking time and check for doneness starting at the 20-minute mark.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes—you’ll just need a dairy-free cake mix and frosting, which are available in most stores, and double-check your cherry pie filling for any hidden dairy.

Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

If there’s any dessert that genuinely deserves the title of “crowd-pleaser,” it’s this Chocolate Cherry Cake. Imagine this: incredibly soft chocolate cake dotted with sweet-tart cherries, all crowned with a glorious layer of chocolate frosting. What’s even better is how brilliantly simple and quick this cake is—mix, bake, and frost. With a handful of pantry staples and just a single bowl, you’ll have this beauty ready to go in under an hour. It’s the perfect treat for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen—and trust me, everyone will ask for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbeatable Convenience: Start with a basic cake mix, and with just a few additions, you’ll have a homemade masterpiece—no complicated steps or fancy equipment.
Rich, Comforting Flavor: Cherry pie filling transforms an ordinary chocolate cake into something unforgettable, adding juicy bites and that perfect hint of tartness with every forkful.
Impossible to Mess Up: The batter comes together in minutes, and the cake is incredibly forgiving, ideal for both novice bakers and dessert veterans.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a potluck, or a last-minute celebration, this cake feels festive and impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to create magic. Here’s why each one is essential:

Chocolate Cake Mix: The shortcut hero—saves loads of time without sacrificing flavor. Any brand works.
Large Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the cake.
Almond Extract: Just a teaspoon—this is a game changer! It brightens the cherry flavor and adds a subtle, aromatic depth.
Cherry Pie Filling: Brings juicy bursts of real fruit and natural sweetness throughout the cake.
Chocolate Frosting: For that decadent, creamy finish—store-bought is fantastic, but homemade is always welcome.

Tip: If you love a less sweet cake, homemade frosting lets you control the sugar, or swap for whipped cream cheese topping for a new dimension.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Never be afraid to make this recipe your own! Here are a few guaranteed winning tweaks:

Different Cake Mixes: Swap out chocolate for devil’s food or even fudge for a more intense cocoa flavor.
Add-ins: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even a few maraschino cherries for extra texture.
Frosting Flavors: Try vanilla or cream cheese frosting for a lighter contrast, or drizzle on a simple chocolate ganache.
Extra Flavors: Trade almond extract for vanilla or an orange extract for a chocolate-orange twist.
Gluten-Free: Use your preferred gluten-free chocolate cake mix—easy and just as delicious.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. No one wants cake that sticks!

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine your chocolate cake mix, egg, and almond extract. A hand mixer makes this quick work. The mixture will look crumbly and dense—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want.

Step 3: Add the Cherries

Pour in the cherry pie filling and mix until everything is just combined. You’ll see beautiful bits of cherry dotting the chocolatey batter.

Step 4: Bake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven for 25–30 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick—it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet.

Step 5: Cool and Frost

Let your cake cool completely; patience means the frosting sets beautifully. Frost generously with your favorite chocolate frosting, spreading to every edge.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve straight from the pan. Don’t be surprised if it disappears fast!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Once the cherries are in, mix just until combined for the best tender crumb.
Room Temperature Frosting: If using store-bought, let it soften slightly so it’s easy to spread without tearing the cake.
Customize the Sweetness: If your cherry pie filling is extra sweet, a homemade frosting with lower sugar is a fantastic balance.
Even Baking: Rotate your pan halfway through the baking if your oven bakes unevenly, to avoid over-baked edges.

How to Serve

This cake is truly all you need for dessert, but here are some extras to make it even more special:

A Dollop of Whipped Cream: Adds airiness and a pretty finishing touch.
Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Especially wonderful if you serve the cake slightly warm.
Coffee or Dessert Wine: Chocolate and cherries go perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or—if you’re feeling fancy—a little glass of cherry liqueur.
Fresh Cherries on Top: When in season, decorate with a few whole cherries for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The cake keeps beautifully! Store any leftovers, covered tightly right in the pan, at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer keeping, refrigerate (the texture will be a bit denser, but still rich and delicious).

Freezing

Yes, this cake freezes well! Freeze unfrosted or frosted slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Pop into a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer a slightly warm cake, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds before serving. The warmth softens the frosting for a molten-chocolate effect!

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Absolutely. Homemade cherry filling gives you control over the sweetness and texture, and fresh cherries taste incredible. Use about 2–2 ½ cups.
Can I make this cake without almond extract?

Yes! Replace it with vanilla extract or simply leave it out. However, almond pairs so well with cherries, it’s worth trying if you have it.
What if I only have a different size pan?

You can use two 8-inch rounds; just adjust the baking time and check for doneness starting at the 20-minute mark.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes—you’ll just need a dairy-free cake mix and frosting, which are available in most stores, and double-check your cherry pie filling for any hidden dairy.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion—this Chocolate Cherry Cake is the kind of easy, comforting treat that brightens any day. With its moist crumb, pockets of juicy cherries, and luscious frosting, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Grab your ingredients and treat yourself (and your lucky family or friends) to a slice of pure chocolate–cherry happiness!