Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a show-stopping dessert, this Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine a rich, moist chocolate cake packed with luscious cherries and a velvety cream cheese swirl, all crowned with a glossy cherry glaze. This cake manages to balance decadence and freshness like a dream, making it the perfect centerpiece for celebrations or a luxurious treat on any day. The combination of chocolate and cherry is an all-time favorite, but adding the cream cheese layer takes it to sublime new heights. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your go-to crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating that irresistible taste, soft texture, and eye-catching appearance. From the rich cocoa powder that delivers deep chocolate flavor to the tangy cream cheese that brings creaminess, these ingredients come together in harmony.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure backbone that holds your cake together with a tender crumb.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the chocolate’s bitterness and adds moisture.
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder: Unsweetened and rich, this delivers intense chocolate flavor throughout.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay light despite the dense ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda to give a perfect delicate crumb.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the chocolate and cherries.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and slight tang, making the cake irresistibly soft.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
• 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients and contribute to a fluffy texture.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Elevates flavor and adds warmth.
• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor with depth and richness.
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates that luscious, creamy swirl that sets this bundt cake apart.
• 1 large egg (for cream cheese layer): Adds richness and helps the cream cheese layer set nicely.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer): Sweetens the cream cheese without overpowering.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer): Adds flavor depth to the cream cheese filling.
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling: Brings juicy, sweet-tart cherries to the cake and its shiny glaze.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your bundt pan thoroughly with butter and dust it lightly with flour, or use a reliable baking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. This step guarantees that perfect shape and easy removal, setting you up for success from the beginning.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or using a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt on low speed until everything is evenly combined. This ensures your cake’s base is consistent and perfect for absorbing the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. This mixture will add moisture, richness, and flavor to your bundt cake, keeping it tender and soft throughout baking.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures, Then Add Coffee

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed just until combined to keep your cake light. Then, gradually add the hot coffee, which intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates a wonderfully moist texture. Mix until everything is just incorporated and set the batter aside.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat together the softened cream cheese, egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling creates a rich layer inside the cake that perfectly complements the chocolate and cherries.

Step 6: Prepare the Cherries

Using a large-hole strainer, separate the cherries from the syrup in the cherry pie filling can. Set the cherries aside for the cake batter and keep the syrup for glazing later. This step ensures you don’t have excess liquid in the cake, which could affect texture.

Step 7: Fold Cherries into the Cake Batter

Gently stir half of the strained cherries into the chocolate cake batter. This will distribute bursts of cherry flavor throughout the cake, adding a vibrant fruity twist to each slice.

Step 8: Layer the Cake and Filling

Pour one-third of the cherry-studded cake batter into the prepared bundt pan. Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture on top, then scatter the remaining strained cherries evenly over the cream cheese layer. Finally, pour the remaining cake batter over the cherries, smoothing the top gently to combine.

Step 9: Bake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This is the moment when the chocolate and cream cheese layers have bonded in perfect harmony.

Step 10: Cool and Remove from Pan

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it. If you’re worried about sticking, carefully loosen the edges after about 15 minutes and then invert the cake onto a cooling rack. This patience pays off with perfect presentation.

Step 11: Glaze with Cherry Syrup

Once fully cooled, brush or spoon the reserved cherry pie filling glaze all over the top of the cake. This final touch adds a glossy, sweet finish that makes your Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe irresistible and gorgeous.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Keep things simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or add fresh cherries on top to echo the pie filling inside. For extra flair, a sprig of mint can brighten the plate and add a pop of color. Whipped cream dollops work wonders too when serving individual slices.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to complement its rich flavors. A cup of strong coffee or black tea on the side also helps balance the decadence, making the overall experience feel like a gourmet dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing this cake to a party, consider serving it on a beautiful cake stand or platter and slice it into elegant wedges. You could also plate individual slices with a drizzle of cherry syrup around them for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Adding edible flowers or chocolate shavings on top can make it look extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe, wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or keep the whole cake covered with a cake dome at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole cooled cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm slices slightly in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This gently revives the cake’s softness and makes the cream cheese layer delightfully creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! If using fresh cherries, pit and cook them with sugar to create a syrupy glaze similar to the canned filling. This adds a homemade touch and controls sweetness perfectly.

Is it necessary to use hot coffee in the batter?

Hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds moisture, but you can substitute it with hot water or even milk if you prefer. Just avoid cold liquids, as they might affect the cake’s texture.

Can I make this recipe in a regular cake pan instead of a bundt pan?

Yes, though baking times might vary. Use a similar-sized round cake pan and check for doneness a bit earlier, as the thicker bundt shape takes longer to bake through.

Can I prepare the batter and cream cheese layer ahead of time?

You can mix the cake batter a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, but assemble and bake on the day you plan to serve for the best texture and rise.

What if the cake sticks to the pan?

Make sure to grease and flour the bundt pan well, and allow the cake to cool properly before removing. Running a small knife around the edges gently can help with releasing stubborn spots.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe is truly one of those special desserts that brings pure joy with every bite. Its rich chocolate flavor combined with tart cherries and creamy cheese will make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret family recipe. I cannot wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes your new favorite cake to bake and share!

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