Looking for a dessert that’s equal parts decadent, beautiful, and delicious? Meet the Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake, a showstopper that combines rich chocolate, fruity cherries, and creamy cheesecake filling. This cake is like a celebration in every bite, perfect for holiday tables, birthdays, or anytime you need to wow your friends and family. With its tender crumb, tangy cream cheese swirl, and pops of juicy cherries, it’s a dessert that’s anything but ordinary.
Whether you’re a Bundt cake aficionado or baking one for the first time, this recipe will guide you step by step to create the ultimate treat. Get ready to fall head over heels in love with a cake that tastes as amazing as it looks!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup pitted and halved fresh or frozen cherries (drained if using canned)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- Optional garnish: fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan, making sure to get into all the crevices to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients from Step 2 and the buttermilk to the batter. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined (avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender). Gently fold in the halved cherries.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Layer the Cake Batter and Filling
Spoon half of the chocolate cake batter into your prepared Bundt pan. Dollop the cream cheese filling on top in an even layer, avoiding the edges of the pan (this prevents the filling from oozing out). Spread the remaining cake batter over the filling, smoothing the top.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool and Remove from Pan
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Then, gently invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make the Chocolate Glaze
Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer (do not boil). Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 10: Glaze and Garnish
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides for an elegant finish. Garnish with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Its rich and moist texture makes it a hit at holiday dinners, family reunions, or special occasions like Valentine’s Day. You can also dress it up for a more festive feel by adding red and pink sprinkles for celebrations or gold accents for a touch of luxury.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and buttermilk are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Once the ingredients are combined, stop mixing.
- Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries Wisely: If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the cake.
- Grease Your Pan Well: Bundt cakes have intricate designs, so take your time greasing and flouring every nook and cranny.
This Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is not just dessert; it’s a centerpiece and a conversation starter. With its luxurious flavors and irresistible presentation, one slice will leave everyone craving more. Time to preheat that oven and bring this masterpiece to life!
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