If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with rich chocolate, sweet-tart cherries, and a silky layer of fudge frosting, then this Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake with Fudge Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. This cake is a delightful celebration of classic flavors, effortlessly combining moist devil’s food cake with luscious cherry pie filling and a dreamy chocolate fudge topping. It’s the kind of dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also becomes an instant crowd-pleaser for gatherings, family dinners, or just because. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved favorite that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake with Fudge Frosting Recipe is wonderfully simple in its ingredient list, but each element plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the rich cake mix to the luscious cherry filling and decadent chocolate chips, these ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix: The base of your cake, offering an intense chocolate flavor with minimal effort.
- Large Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and richness, making the cake incredibly moist.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts the chocolate’s depth.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Add bursts of melty chocolate throughout the cake.
- Cherry Pie Filling: Brings a juicy sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
- Salted Butter: Creates the signature fudge frosting texture and flavor.
- White Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to the perfect degree.
- Milk: Combines with butter and sugar to form a creamy frosting base.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Melt down to create the luscious fudge frosting that crowns the cake.
- Maraschino Cherries: Optional but add bright pops of color and extra cherry flavor for garnish.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake with Fudge Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch sheet pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat the mixture until smooth and well incorporated. Then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for those hidden pockets of melted chocolate magic. The batter should be rich and smooth, the promise of a moist and tender cake to come.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible chocolate aroma as the cake rises and sets. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before moving on to the frosting step. This resting time is essential to get that perfect texture and keep the fudge frosting flawless.
Step 3: Add Cherry Pie Filling
Once your cake has cooled, carefully spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top. The juicy cherries create a beautiful contrast against the dark cake beneath, both in flavor and appearance. This layer is what brings the “cherry” star in the Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake with Fudge Frosting Recipe to life, adding that luscious tart-sweet surprise in every bite.
Step 4: Make the Fudge Frosting
In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Stir in the white sugar and milk, bringing the mixture just to a boil. Remove from heat and immediately add the dark chocolate chips, stirring until completely melted and smooth. This rich chocolate fudge frosting is thick and velvety, ready to be spread generously over the cherries and cake. For the best result, use the frosting while it’s warm so it sets with a glossy finish.
Step 5: Frost and Garnish
Pour the fudge frosting evenly over the cherry layer, using a spatula to create swirls or smooth it out neatly—either way, it will look and taste fantastic. Finally, add a handful of maraschino cherries on top to garnish. They not only add a festive color pop but also intensify the cherry flavor for the ultimate finish.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake with Fudge Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond maraschino cherries, consider sprinkling some finely chopped toasted almonds or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra texture and taste. A few fresh mint leaves can bring a refreshing touch and beautiful visual contrast. These small touches elevate your presentation, making the cake look as stunning as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This chocolate cherry sheet cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you are serving it with coffee or rich hot chocolate, the dessert becomes an indulgent treat perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this cake in individual squares with a little extra cherry and frosting on top, making it perfect for parties or potlucks. You can also layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a stunning multi-texture dessert. No matter how you choose to present it, the Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake with Fudge Frosting Recipe stays a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness for up to 4 days. The rich flavors actually deepen after sitting, so leftovers are delicious, too!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the whole cake or individual pieces in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your chocolate cherry dessert warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings out the fudge frosting’s silky softness while keeping the cake moist. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll want to cook them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to mimic the thick, sweet consistency of pie filling. This ensures your cake stays moist without becoming soggy.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the devil’s food cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Make sure all other ingredients, including cherry pie filling, are gluten-free to keep this dessert safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
Absolutely, the Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake with Fudge Frosting Recipe can be doubled and baked in a larger sheet pan or two pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly. Always use a toothpick to check for doneness.
What’s the best way to make the fudge frosting shiny and smooth?
Melting the butter, sugar, and milk until just boiling and then stirring in high-quality dark chocolate chips ensures a glossy, smooth frosting. Spreading it while still warm also helps create that perfect finish.
Can I make this cake vegan?
Making this exact recipe vegan would require several ingredient swaps, such as using egg replacer, vegan butter, and dairy-free milk. It’s doable but will change the texture slightly. For a vegan-friendly version, consider using vegan cake mix and customized frosting alternatives.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of chocolate and cherries, and this Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake with Fudge Frosting Recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and has a rich, moist texture that invites smiles with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to brighten a regular day, this cake is a star that never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
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Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake with Fudge Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake with Fudge Frosting is a decadent and moist dessert perfect for chocolate lovers. Combining the rich flavors of devil’s food cake with a luscious cherry pie filling and topped with a creamy fudge frosting, this sheet cake is ideal for gatherings or a special treat. Garnished with maraschino cherries, it offers a beautiful presentation and a burst of fruity sweetness with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 15.75-oz. box Devil’s Food cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 can cherry pie filling (approx. 21 oz)
For the Fudge Frosting
- 5 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 7 ounces dark chocolate chips
For Garnish
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth. Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch sheet cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cake, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
- Make the Fudge Frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the white sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute while stirring continuously to prevent burning. Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the frosting is smooth and glossy.
- Frost the Cake: Pour the warm fudge frosting over the cherry topping on the cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly covering all cherries and cake surface.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the frosted cake with maraschino cherries placed on top for a festive and elegant look. Let the cake cool and set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat sour cream for the best moist texture in the cake.
- If you prefer, substitute maraschino cherries with fresh cherries for a less sweet garnish.
- Ensure the fudge frosting is warm enough to pour easily but not so hot that it melts the cherry topping.
- Leftover cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Mini chocolate chips provide a nice texture in the cake, but can be omitted or replaced by chopped nuts if desired.
