Shirley'S Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake
A rich chocolate cherry cake featuring moist chocolate cake with a hearty cherry filling, perfect for dessert lovers and gatherings craving bold fruit and chocolate flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Mix the beaten eggs, almond extract, and cherry pie filling until well combined.
- Add the chocolate cake mix and mix thoroughly to form a batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract can be a suitable substitute. When mixing, be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. For an extra touch, top the cake with whipped cream or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which pairs beautifully with this chocolate cherry cake.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but can also be served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious dessert experience. It also makes a great treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea, perfect for afternoon gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm the entire cake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shirley'S Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake contains roughly 45 calories, with 0g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to create a similar consistency to pie filling. This way, you can capture the sweet and tart flavor that complements the chocolate cake.
What if I don't have a 9 x 13-inch pan?
If you don't have a 9 x 13-inch pan, you can use two 9-inch round cake pans instead. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as the cakes may need less time to bake. Check for doneness using the toothpick method earlier, around 25 minutes.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert for special occasions.
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).