Super Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake
A moist, chocolatey cake with cherry filling and chocolate chips, perfect for dessert lovers seeking a quick, crowd-pleasing treat with rich flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together the cake mix, cherry pie filling, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch or jelly roll pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving.
- Optional: Melt margarine and stir in sugar, milk, and chocolate chips to make a topping or glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the batter. You can substitute the chocolate cake mix with a devil's food mix for extra decadence. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works well too. For an added touch, try incorporating nuts or coconut into the batter, making it a delightful twist on classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chocolate Cherry Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. A drizzle of the optional chocolate topping enhances the presentation. It pairs beautifully with Mary'S Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast. This cake also makes an excellent treat for birthday parties or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice a piece and microwave it for about 15-20 seconds, or until just warm, enhancing the chocolate flavor when served.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake contains roughly 271 calories, with 5g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% 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 cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to add sugar and possibly a thickener to mimic the consistency of pie filling. Cook the cherries with sugar until they soften, then mix them into the batter for a fresher taste.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
For a vegan version, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. This will maintain moisture and binding in the cake.
How can I make my cake more chocolatey?
To intensify the chocolate flavor, add an extra 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You could also mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the batter for an extra chocolate kick.
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).