Merry Cherry Chocolate Cake
Merry Cherry Chocolate Cake combines rich chocolate layers with a creamy cherry frosting, accented by crunchy pecans and festive garnishes. Perfect for holiday celebrations, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will impress guests and satisfy chocolate and cherry lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the frosting by blending the softened cream cheese with the confectioners sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the maraschino cherries, chopped if desired, to add a burst of cherry flavor.
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of cherry cream cheese frosting over the cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the first, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Press pecan halves onto the sides of the cake for decoration.
- Garnish with artificial holly leaves or other festive decorations.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother frosting, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before blending. If you want a lighter texture, consider using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. For added flavor, mix in a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract. This cake pairs beautifully with Green Mountain Gingersnaps for a festive dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake chilled to enhance the flavors of the cherry and cream cheese frosting. It makes a delightful centerpiece for holiday gatherings and pairs nicely with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of Prune Spice Cake for a unique dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep the cake moist, consider wrapping it in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. If you want to enjoy it warm, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring you don’t overheat and dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merry Cherry Chocolate Cake contains roughly 277 calories, with 3g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you will need to pit and chop them, and they will not provide the same sweetness as maraschino cherries. You may want to add a bit of sugar to the frosting to balance the flavors.
How do I make the cake layers from scratch?
To make chocolate cake layers from scratch, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil in a bowl. Mix until smooth and bake in two greased round pans at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Allow to cool before assembling.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and frost it fresh for the best texture.
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).