If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert that really brings the party to your table, the Indulgent Bubbly Bold Cherry Chocolate Cake for Celebration Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake is a harmonious blend of rich, velvety chocolate, bright cherry flavors, and a uniquely light, bubbly texture that will have your guests begging for seconds. It combines the decadence of dark chocolate with the zing of cherry cola and maraschino cherry juice, creating a bold flavor profile that’s perfect for marking every special occasion with a delicious bang.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this ingredient list; each item plays a crucial role in crafting the irresistible taste, texture, and visual appeal of this cake. From the cocoa’s deep chocolate notes to the hint of cherry cola adding a bubbly touch, every element is essential.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s tender crumb, or swap for gluten-free flour blend to suit dietary needs.
- ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder: Use unsweetened to provide that rich, smooth chocolate flavor without bitterness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: A key leavening agent to help the cake rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure a perfectly airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor balance, making the chocolate and cherry notes pop.
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering; avoid brown sugar to maintain bright flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture; use flax eggs as a vegan alternative.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Choose high-quality vanilla for the best aromatic depth.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness; Greek yogurt or sour milk also work well.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist; melted coconut oil can be an exciting substitute.
- ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice: Infuses vibrant cherry flavor and a slight tang to complement the chocolate.
- 1 cup cola: Cherry cola is ideal here, lending a subtle fizz and enhancing cherry notes.
- 1 cup chopped dark chocolate: Semi-sweet or bittersweet varieties enrich the cake with deep chocolate chunks.
- 1 batch whipped cherry frosting: Use your favorite recipe or swap for vanilla frosting to suit your taste.
- Maraschino cherries (for topping): Add a pop of color and sweetness to finish.
- Shaved dark chocolate (for topping): Provides elegant texture and a bit more chocolate indulgence.
How to Make Indulgent Bubbly Bold Cherry Chocolate Cake for Celebration Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line their bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your beautiful cake layers will release easily and keep their shape perfectly for that stunning presentation.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together your flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the mixture, giving your cake an impressively light and fluffy crumb, which is particularly important for the bubbly texture that sets this cake apart.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly pale. Then add buttermilk, vegetable oil, maraschino cherry juice, and the cherry cola. The cola’s carbonation and sweetness are a clever secret to making this cake bubbly and bursting with flavor!
Step 4: Create the Batter
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can suppress those bubbles we want, so blend until everything is incorporated but still light. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate last, so every bite surprises with melty chocolate bits.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the luscious batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check for doneness—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. This step ensures a moist but fully cooked cake, the perfect canvas for your frosting.
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Let your cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring onto wire racks to finish cooling completely. This prevents frosting from melting prematurely and helps your layers to stack neatly. Once cooled, generously spread the whipped cherry frosting between layers and over the top and sides. Finally, garnish with maraschino cherries and shaved dark chocolate for that festive finish.
How to Serve Indulgent Bubbly Bold Cherry Chocolate Cake for Celebration Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing elevates this cake beyond delicious; fresh maraschino cherries offer juicy bursts that contrast beautifully with the rich frosting and dark chocolate shavings add a touch of elegance and texture that your guests will adore. These finishing touches bring the vibrant cherry and chocolate flavors to the forefront and make every slice a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.
Side Dishes
Serve this cake alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to add a smooth, cooling contrast. If you want to continue the bubbly theme, a sparkling cherry soda or a light Prosecco complements the cake’s bold flavors perfectly without overshadowing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly show-stopping presentation, serve the cake on a tiered stand with scattered fresh cherries around the base and a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder or edible glitter for extra sparkle. You can also use individual glass trifle bowls layered with cake pieces, whipped frosting, and maraschino cherries for a more casual, fun approach that’s party-ready.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. The cake stays moist and the flavors deepen over 2 to 3 days, making it just as delightful the next day. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens nicely.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them inside a freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you like your chocolate cake just a little warm, gently heat a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the frosting slightly and enhances the chocolate’s gooey richness without melting the cherry decorations. Avoid overheating to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I make this cake vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and choose plant-based buttermilk like almond milk with a splash of vinegar. Use vegan-friendly frosting to maintain that indulgent taste without dairy or eggs.
Why is cherry cola used in the recipe?
Cherry cola adds a unique fizzy sweetness and enhances the cherry flavor in a way that plain liquids can’t. Its carbonation lightens the batter to give the cake an unexpectedly bubbly and tender crumb that’s part of what makes this recipe so special.
Can I substitute the frosting?
Yes, you can swap the whipped cherry frosting for a rich vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting. However, the cherry version perfectly complements the cake’s fruity and chocolate notes, so it’s highly recommended for the fullest experience.
Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?
This cake can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. It might slightly alter the texture but will keep that delightful flavor intact.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Using oil instead of butter and incorporating buttermilk helps maintain moisture, while the cherry juice and cola contribute to the cake’s airy texture. Proper storage in airtight containers also prevents drying out after baking.
Final Thoughts
Once you make the Indulgent Bubbly Bold Cherry Chocolate Cake for Celebration Recipe, it will undoubtedly become your go-to dessert for every special event. The perfect balance of rich chocolate, juicy cherry, and a delightfully light texture makes this cake a true standout. Don’t hesitate to share it with friends and family – because a cake this irresistible deserves to be celebrated again and again!
Print
Indulgent Bubbly Bold Cherry Chocolate Cake for Celebration Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Indulgent Bubbly Bold Cherry Chocolate Cake is a rich and moist dessert perfect for celebrations. Featuring a deep chocolate flavor enhanced with cherry notes from maraschino cherry juice and cola, this cake combines a luscious blend of cocoa, dark chocolate chunks, and a whipped cherry frosting. Topped with maraschino cherries and shaved dark chocolate, it’s a show-stopping treat for chocolate and cherry lovers alike.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour blend)
- ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (ensure it’s unsweetened)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (essential leavening agent)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (essential leavening agent)
- ½ teaspoon salt (enhances flavor balance)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (avoid brown sugar)
- 2 large eggs (for a vegan version, use flax eggs)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (opt for high-quality)
- 1 cup buttermilk (substitutes include Greek yogurt or sour milk)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (melted coconut oil can be used)
- ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice (use juice from the jar)
- 1 cup cola (cherry cola enhances cherry notes)
- 1 cup chopped dark chocolate (semi-sweet or bittersweet recommended)
Frosting and Toppings
- 1 batch whipped cherry frosting (can swap for vanilla frosting)
- Maraschino cherries (for topping, as needed)
- Shaved dark chocolate (for topping, as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pans. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, maraschino cherry juice, and cola. Mix well to combine all wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Incorporate dry into wet. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake. Stir just until the batter is homogeneous.
- Fold in chopped chocolate. Carefully fold in the chopped dark chocolate pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for bursts of melted chocolate in the cake.
- Divide and bake. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the cakes. Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare frosting and assemble. Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of whipped cherry frosting over the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate the cake. Top the frosted cake with maraschino cherries and shaved dark chocolate as desired for a bold, festive presentation.
- Serve and enjoy. Slice into 12 generous pieces and serve this indulgent cherry chocolate cake at your celebration for a rich dessert experience.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend.
- To make the cake vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based milk and oil.
- Using cherry cola enhances the cherry flavor but regular cola can be substituted in a pinch.
- Ensure the Dutch-process cocoa powder is unsweetened for balanced flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients will help achieve a smoother batter and better texture.
- Chilling the frosting slightly before spreading can help achieve a more stable finish.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
