Cherry Chocolate Cake(Makes One 9-Inch Cake)

Prep: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A decadent cherry chocolate cake layered with creamy frosting, crunchy pecans, and maraschino cherries, perfect for celebrations and dessert lovers seeking a rich, fruity treat.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 16 oz. confectioners sugar
  • 14 maraschino cherries
  • 1.5 cups Planters pecan chips
  • 8.25 oz. can Del Monte crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 prepared 9-inch chocolate cake layers

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, with an electric mixer at medium speed, beat cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
  2. Gradually add confectioners sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Spread the cream cheese mixture between the two prepared chocolate cake layers.
  4. Top the cake with drained crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, and pecan chips.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider substituting low-fat cream cheese for the regular cream cheese. You can also use whipped topping in place of the heavy cream for added fluffiness. If fresh cherries are in season, you can replace maraschino cherries with pitted fresh cherries for a more natural flavor. Ensure your cake layers are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the cream cheese mixture from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cherry Chocolate Cake as a delightful dessert after a festive dinner, or enjoy it with coffee during afternoon tea. Its rich flavors pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or browse more American recipes to complement your gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the cake, as the cream cheese filling may not defrost well. When ready to serve, simply slice and enjoy cold, or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for a softer texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cherry Chocolate Cake(Makes One 9-Inch Cake) contains roughly 788 calories, with 11g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 741mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

788 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11g 22% DV
Total Fat 34.6g 44% DV
Carbs 111.3g 40% DV
Fiber 19.5g 70% DV
Sugar 64.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 740.6mg 32% DV
Potassium 411.2mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 141.2mg 47% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 113.5mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 0mg
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 233.5mg 18% DV
Iron 5.8mg 32% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pecan chips with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just ensure they are finely chopped to maintain the texture of the cake. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding can enhance their flavor.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make this Cherry Chocolate Cake gluten-free, use gluten-free chocolate cake mixes or recipes for the cake layers. Always check the labels on the pecan chips and confectioners sugar to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

What can I do if I don't have maraschino cherries?

If maraschino cherries aren't available, you can use fresh cherries or frozen cherries that have been thawed and pitted. You can also try using berry compote or raspberry preserves for a similar burst of flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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