Craving a dessert that's both elegant and effortlessly delicious? Look no further than this irresistible Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake. This recipe is perfect for weekend baking, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to a little slice of heaven. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the rich chocolate flavor perfectly complements the juicy tartness of the cherries. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping dessert!
Ingredients:
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For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
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For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Bundt Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly. This ensures the cake releases easily after baking. You can also use a non-stick baking spray for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Add Boiling Water and Cherries
Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will become thin – this is normal. Gently fold in the cherries.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures even cooling.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 9: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh cherries: Fresh cherries provide the best flavor and texture.
- Let the cake cool completely: This prevents the glaze from melting.
- Experiment with different glazes: Try a chocolate ganache or a cream cheese frosting for a variation.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to this cake.
- Use different cherries: Try other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
- Make it a chocolate lover's dream: Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 350-400
Fat: 15-20g
Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake! It's the perfect treat for any occasion, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Share your baking creations with us – we'd love to see your photos!