Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the wonderful mix of chocolate with a fruity twist, you’re in for a treat. This Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe is a deliciously moist chocolate cake layered with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling and studded with luscious sweet cherries. Every bite offers the perfect balance of rich chocolate, smooth cream cheese, and bursts of vibrant cherry flavor. It’s an unforgettable dessert that’s as stunning to serve as it is delightful to eat, guaranteed to win over family and friends at any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the cake’s decadent taste, tender crumb, and striking visual appeal. From the cocoa powder that gives depth of chocolate flavor, to the cream cheese that adds richness, every component matters.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s fluffy and tender texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the rich cocoa and tart cherries.
• Cocoa powder: The essential ingredient to deliver that deep, chocolatey character.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Help the cake rise to the perfect height and lightness.
• Salt: Enhances all other flavors beautifully.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang for extra softness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Eggs: Provide structure while holding the cake together.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warmth and sweetness.
• Freshly brewed hot coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.
• Cream cheese: Offers a rich, creamy layer that contrasts the chocolate layers perfectly.
• Cherry pie filling: Loads the cake with bursts of juicy cherry flavor and a lovely color contrast.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your bundt pan is key – make sure it’s generously greased with butter and lightly dusted with flour or use a baking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixer bowl, slowly mix together your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing on low speed helps evenly distribute these components without overworking the flour.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a different bowl, whisk the sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, silky consistency. This wet mixture will help the cake stay moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture while mixing on low. Once they are combined, slowly add the freshly brewed hot coffee. The coffee enhances the chocolate intensity without leaving a noticeable coffee flavor. Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat the softened cream cheese with one egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will create an irresistible creamy center in the cake.

Step 6: Prepare the Cherry Filling

Use a large-hole strainer to separate the cherries from their glaze. Set the cherries aside for mixing and hold on to the glaze to use later as a shiny, flavorful topping.

Step 7: Mix Cherries with Batter

Fold half of the strained cherries gently into the chocolate batter, making sure they are evenly distributed for bursts of tart sweetness throughout the cake.

Step 8: Layer the Cake

Pour one-third of your cherry-chocolate batter into the prepared bundt pan. Spoon the cream cheese layer carefully over the batter, then add the remaining strained cherries on top of the cream cheese. Finally, pour the rest of the batter over the cherries. This layering creates beautiful marbling and an exciting blend of flavors with every slice.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. This ensures the cake is perfectly cooked but still moist and tender.

Step 10: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. To avoid sticking, you can carefully remove the cake after 15 minutes of cooling. Once fully cooled, drizzle the reserved cherry glaze over the top. This last step creates a glossy finish and infuses each bite with extra cherry sweetness.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries placed on top can enhance the cake’s presentation. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a few chocolate shavings for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, making the whole experience cozy and comforting. Fresh fruit or a light yogurt can balance the richer flavors if you want something lighter alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bundt cake and serving it layered with additional cherry pie filling and whipped cream between pieces for a fun twist. Alternatively, offer bite-sized squares with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for little celebratory treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain its freshness. Refrigerate if your environment is warm or if you won’t finish it within that time.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It stores well for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you like your cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Alternatively, warm in a low oven (around 300°F) wrapped in foil for 10 to 15 minutes to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

While fresh or frozen cherries can be used, cherry pie filling provides the perfect sweetness and syrup that complements the cake’s balance. If using frozen cherries, you might want to add a bit of sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to replicate the pie filling consistency.

Is it necessary to use coffee in the recipe?

The coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. You can substitute with hot water if preferred, but the coffee enhances the richness beautifully and is worth including if possible.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?

Generously grease the pan with butter or baking spray, and lightly dust with flour. Letting the cake cool for about 15 minutes before removing also helps it release cleanly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be aware that texture might slightly differ. Choose blends that include xanthan gum for better structure.

What’s the best way to get a smooth cream cheese layer?

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing, and beat it thoroughly with the sugar and egg until completely smooth with no lumps.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe is one of those desserts that instantly brings joy to the table. It’s rich, moist, and packed with layers of flavor that create a deliciously complex but comforting treat. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet everyday indulgence, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen!

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