Triple Chocolate Cherry Cake

Triple Chocolate Cherry Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines three layers of chocolatey goodness with the sweet tartness of cherries. Moist, decadent, and bursting with flavor, this cake is perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: Starts with a boxed cake mix but tastes completely homemade.
  • Ultra-Moist Texture: Thanks to the cherry pie filling and chocolate chips.
  • Decadent Layers: Chocolate cake, cherries, and a velvety chocolate glaze.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or just because.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Devil’s food chocolate cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Almond extract
  • Cherry pie filling
  • Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the chocolate glaze:

  • Granulated sugar
  • Milk
  • Unsalted butter
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Mix the cake batter
    In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and almond extract. Stir until mostly blended, then gently fold in the cherry pie filling and mini chocolate chips.
  3. Bake the cake
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
  4. Make the chocolate glaze
    In a small saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and butter. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until smooth and glossy.
  5. Frost the cake
    Pour the warm glaze over the cooled cake and spread it evenly. Let it set before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12 to 16 slices
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Cooling and Glazing Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

  • Make it a layer cake: Use two 9-inch round pans and layer with whipped cream or more cherry pie filling.
  • Extra chocolatey: Add white or dark chocolate chunks along with the mini chips.
  • Nutty twist: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze individual slices tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Let refrigerated slices come to room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can use any chocolate cake mix you like, but devil’s food gives the richest flavor.

Do I need to use almond extract?

Almond extract enhances the cherry flavor, but you can replace it with vanilla if you prefer.

Can I make this as cupcakes?

Yes! Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Fresh cherries don’t have the syrupy consistency needed for this recipe. Stick with pie filling for best results.

What kind of chocolate chips are best?

Mini semi-sweet chips melt evenly into the batter and glaze, but you can also use milk or dark chocolate.

Can I use canned frosting instead?

You can, but the homemade glaze adds a rich, smooth finish that pairs perfectly with the cake.

Is it okay to skip the glaze?

Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze takes it over the top.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Conclusion

Triple Chocolate Cherry Cake is the ultimate easy-to-make dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor or wow factor. With its rich chocolate base, bursts of cherry, and glossy chocolate glaze, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering—or just a special treat for yourself.

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Triple Chocolate Cherry Cake

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A rich and decadent triple chocolate cherry cake made with layers of moist chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache, perfect for any chocolate lover.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until well combined.
  3. Fold in the cherry pie filling gently, distributing the cherries evenly.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
  6. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer.
  7. Remove from heat and pour over the semi-sweet, milk, and dark chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes.
  8. Stir until smooth, then add the vanilla extract and mix well to make the ganache.
  9. Pour the ganache over the cooled cake and spread evenly.
  10. Let the ganache set before serving. Optionally, garnish with extra cherries or chocolate shavings.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add 1/2 tsp of almond extract to the batter.
  • You can use homemade cherry pie filling for a fresher taste.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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