Hey there, my friend 
. If you love rich, chocolatey goodness with a burst of cherry flavor, this chocolate cherry fudge cake is about to be your new favorite. It’s moist, fudgy, and packed with chocolate chips and juicy cherries in every bite.
And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. No complicated steps, no fancy equipment—just simple ingredients coming together to create the perfect dessert.
Let’s get baking!
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric hand mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan
- Knife (for chopping cherries)
Important Info
- Servings: 8 slices
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $10
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Calories per serving: 380 calories
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Anytime
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cherry juice (from canned cherries)
- 1 cup chopped cherries (fresh or canned)
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free flour (1:1 ratio) |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup milk + ½ teaspoon vinegar |
| Unsalted butter | Coconut oil or vegetable oil |
| Sugar | Honey or maple syrup (use ⅔ cup) |
| Fresh cherries | Frozen or canned cherries |
| Cherry juice | Cranberry juice or apple juice |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the buttermilk and cherry juice, starting and ending with the dry mix. Stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.
- Serve warm or let it cool completely before adding any frosting.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter—this keeps the cake soft and tender.
- If using canned cherries, drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- For an extra fudgy texture, add an extra ¼ cup of melted chocolate to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
What to Serve with Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake
This cake pairs beautifully with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream and extra cherries
- A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce
- A hot cup of coffee or milk
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
You can serve this cake warm or cold, depending on your preference. If you love a gooey, fudgy bite, serve it slightly warm. If you want clean, firm slices, let it cool completely before cutting.
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is enough, but you can also top it with chocolate ganache or whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This cake is perfect for:
- Birthdays – A crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Date nights – A romantic chocolate treat.
- Holiday gatherings – Great for Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
- Potlucks and parties – Easy to transport and always a hit.
It’s also an amazing dessert to bring to picnics, as it holds up well at room temperature and doesn’t need refrigeration.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If the weather is hot, store it in a cool, dry place.
Refrigeration
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Before serving, let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave.
Freezing
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw them and drain the excess liquid before adding them to the batter.
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
How do I make the cake more fudgy?
For an even fudgier cake, add an extra ¼ cup of melted chocolate to the batter and reduce the baking time by 2 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for about 40-45 minutes.
What’s the best frosting for this cake?
A simple chocolate ganache or a whipped cream topping works best, but you can also use buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Meta Description
This chocolate cherry fudge cake recipe is rich, moist, and packed with juicy cherries. An easy homemade dessert perfect for any occasion. Try it now.